Whiting, a stalwart of F1 racing, died unexpectedly.
MELBOURNE, Australia, March 14th–The Formula 1 world was stunned Thursday morning when the Federation Internationale de L’automobile (FIA) announced that FIA starter Charlie Whiting has died of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 66–just three days before the opening race weekend of 2019.
Photo courtesy, The Hindu
Whiting began his career at the low-budgeted Hesketh Racing Team before making his first major connection with former FOM boss Bernie Ecclestone, who ran the Brabham team in the 1980s. The Briton’s next move was the FIA, where he joined in 1988, before being promoted to race director nine years later–a position that he held until his untimely passing.
Condolences are being expressed around the world. “I have known Charlie (Whiting) for all of my racing life,” said Rose James Brawn, FIA Managing Director. “We worked as mechanics together, became friends, and spent so much time together at race tracks across the world. I was filled with immense sadness when I heard the tragic news. I’m devastated. It is a great loss–not only for me, personally–but also the entire Formula One family, the FIA, and motorsport as a whole. All our thoughts go out to his family.”
Brawn’s thoughts were mirrored by FIA boss, Jean Todt. “It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie’s passing,” Todt said. “Charlie Whiting was a great race director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula One, who embodied the ethics and spirit of this fantastic sport. Formula One has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador. All my thoughts, those of the FIA, and entire motorsport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula One lovers.”
The FIA selected Michael Masi as replacement race director, safety delegate, and permanent race starter. Masi will work this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
