Motorsport: Formula 1 one in shock of sudden death of FIA legend Charlie Whiting

Charlie Whiting. Photo / Getty

Formula 1 icon Charlie Whiting has died at the age of 66 less than 24 hours after the 2019 Formula 1 season was launched in Melbourne.

The veteran racing steward and FIA race director died after suffering a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning in Melbourne.

As reported by Skysports.com, the FIA released a statement on Thursday to confirm the tragic news.

"It is with immense sadness that I learned of Charlie's passing," FIA president Jean Todt said.

"Charlie Whiting was a great race director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula 1 who embodied the ethics and spirit of this fantastic sport.

"Formula 1 has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie. All my thoughts, those of the FIA and entire motorsport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula 1 lovers."

Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn

"I have known Charlie for all of my racing life," he said,

"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 1 family, the FIA and motorsport as a whole.

"All our thoughts go out to his family."

Whiting began his F1 career in 1977 working for the Hesketh team, before joining Brahbam in the 1980s. He had served as F1's race director since 1997.

He has been an integral part of the organisation of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship since he joined the Federation in 1988, and has been the Race Director since 1997.

His death has shocked the Formula 1 world.

Formula 1 teams, including Red Bull and McLaren, were among the first to express their deep sadness at the tragic news.

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

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) 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 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

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) March 14, 2019

Very sad to hear of the passing of Charlie Whiting overnight. He will be sorely missed up and down the paddock and by the whole sport.

— Simon Lazenby (@simon_lazenbyF1) March 14, 2019

Awful news here in Melbourne on the eve of the new season that FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting has passed away. Admired and respected by everybody, his contribution to the sport was unparalleled & immense. We’ll hugely miss him. RIP Charlie

— David Croft (@CroftyF1) March 14, 2019

Horrible news from Melbourne. All my thoughts goes to Charlie's family.
The motorsport world will miss you.
R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/zrKIpChFFA

— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) March 14, 2019

I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of Charlie Whiting's passing. Such a huge figure in the world of motorsport. All of my thoughts are with his family and his many friends right now. We’ll all miss him very much. https://t.co/yX8RqMixvF

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) March 14, 2019

Terrible development in formula one this morning, race director Charlie Whiting has died here in Melbourne. I’ve followed the sport for 30 years, he was a major technical figure in the sport.

— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne2000) March 14, 2019