Murray Walker, iconic voice of British F1, dies at 97

La F1 lost one of its emblematic voices this Saturday with the announcement of the death of Murray Walker at the age of 97. 

A great motorsport enthusiast and former motorcycle racer, Walker began his career as a commentator in 1948 after serving in the Second World War. 

It was in the world of Formula 1 that the native of the southern suburbs of Birmingham distinguished himself throughout an immensely rich career. On the other side of the Channel, Murray Walker was the commentator for the F1 Grand Prix between 1976 and 2001, first on the BBC then on ITV. It was the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) which announced the sad news in a press release. 

« It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our Associate Member Murray Walker. He was a friend, a true motorsport legend, and our country's favorite commentator thanks to his enthusiasm and contagious smile. We thank Murray for his work in our community. Rest in Peace dear friend ».

It's with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.

A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nations favorite commentator and a contagious smile.

We thank Murray for all he has done for our community.

RIP our friend. pic.twitter.com/3Of3Ia3nMB

- BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) March 13, 2021

In the United Kingdom, Murray Walker was very popular with motorsport fans whom he accompanied for more than five decades with his famous “ Murrayisms », racing comments specific to him, which made more than one laugh. Example of these good words: “ I don't make predictions, I make prophecies that immediately turn out to be false ».

Drivers, teams, promoters, governing bodies, former colleagues: tributes were quick to pour in from the four corners of the world of motor racing after the announcement of the death of Murray Walker. 

« We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Murray Walker, reacted F1 in an official statement. His passion and love of sport has inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be part of our history and we will miss him dearly. ».

« I am very sad to learn of the death of Murray Walker, F1 Grand Prix commentator for over 25 years for the BBC and ITV, notably with James Hunt, reacted Jean Todt, president of the FIA. He was the voice of Formula 1 and the entire FIA ​​family pays tribute to him. My thoughts are with his loved ones ».

We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away

His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world

He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed pic.twitter.com/cMwLjjqxAj

- Formula 1 (@ F1) March 13, 2021

Very sad to learn that Murray Walker has passed away. @F1 Grand Prix commentator for over 25 years for the BBC and ITV, notably with James Hunt, he was the voice of Formula 1. All the @FIA family pays tribute to him. My thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/NtD178U8HF

- Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) March 13, 2021

Former driver Martin Brundle, who commentated on Grands Prix with MurrayWalker after F1's move to ITV in 1997, praised the memory of a " national treasure, communications genius, and a Formula 1 legend ».

Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.

— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) March 13, 2021

AUTO editorial staffhebdo joins the motorsport community in sending its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Murray Walker.