Erre senki sem számított: két nappal a 2019-es Forma-1-es idény kezdete előtt elhunyt a sportág állandó versenyigazgatója, a Nemzetközi Automobil Szövetség (FIA) műszaki és biztonsági főmegbízottja, Charlie Whiting, jelentette be a felügyelőszervezet.
A 66 éves angol tüdőembóliában hunyt el Melbourne-ben.
Az F1 alkalmi nézői számára is ismert szakember az 1970-es évek második felében került a Forma-1-be a Hesketh szerelőjeként, majd a Bernie Ecclestone vezette Brabhamnél húzott le egy évtizedet, mielőtt 1988-ban az FIA-hoz csatlakozott. A versenyigazgatói posztot több mint 20 éve, 1997-től töltötte be.
„Óriási szomorúsággal értesültem Charlie váratlan haláláról. Hosszú évek óta ismertem őt, nagyszerű versenyigazgató volt, a Forma-1 utánozhatatlan, központi figurája, aki megtestesítette a sportág ethoszát és szellemiségét. A Forma-1 hűséges barátot és karizmatikus nagykövetet veszített most el Charlie személyében” – mondta az FIA elnöke, Jean Todt.
We are filled with immense shock and sadness at the news of Charlie Whiting's passing.
He will be remembered as a giant of the sport, as well as a dear friend to so many.
Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his friends and family.https://t.co/36pAcjjZOy
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2019
Toto Wolff: "I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Charlie's passing this morning. He was a pillar of our Formula One family – balanced in his approach, subtle in his understanding and always with the interests of Formula One as his main focus. pic.twitter.com/20XQLhm1Op
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) March 14, 2019
Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari is deeply saddened to hear that Charlie Whiting has passed away.
Comment from Team Principal Mattia Binotto https://t.co/fQxAxjuGmt
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 14, 2019
We are terribly saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting's passing. Charlie was a true legend of the sport and will be greatly missed. Everyone's thoughts at Williams are with his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/rWBjYuank9
— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) March 14, 2019
All at McLaren are shocked and deeply saddened at the news of Charlie Whiting's passing. Charlie will be remembered as one of the giants of our sport, as well as a great colleague. Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with all of his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/DmrSZAT4Cc
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 14, 2019
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Charlie Whiting. Charlie was one of the pillars and leaders of the sport. His drive to ensure exciting, safe and fair racing was unparalleled and his passion will be sorely missed.
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— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) March 14, 2019
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/gRDunCfb72
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 14, 2019
Like the rest of the #F1 family, we’re all extremely saddened to learn of the passing of FIA F1 Director Charlie Whiting. A true gentleman and friend, who we worked closely with since our arrival in F1, and an absolute legend of the sport who will be incredibly missed every day.
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) March 14, 2019
"SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team is deeply saddened by the news of Charlie Whiting’s sudden passing. Formula 1 has lost a great Race Director and a true gentleman, he will be deeply missed."
— SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) March 14, 2019
Scuderia Toro Rosso is deeply saddened to hear the news Charlie Whiting, FIA Director of Formula One, has passed away.
The team sends its condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Charlie will be sorely missed by many in the Motorsport community
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) March 14, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear of our friend Charlie Whiting’s passing.
We send our condolences to his family at this difficult time. The entire motorsport community is in mourning. https://t.co/VlnvFVMxkh
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 14, 2019
The entire motorsport community has suffered a huge loss today and is left behind with fond memories of one of the most fantastic figures in the history of our sport. Our sincerest condolences go out to Charlie Whiting’s family, friends and colleagues. #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/SUIrqu7NTx
— Alfa Romeo Racing (@alfaromeoracing) March 14, 2019
