2023 has begun on a somber note for the motorsport world. The sudden, tragic demise of Rally Car driver Ken Block has left many drivers shocked around the world. Several F1 entities like Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso paid tribute to the American rally car legend. Besides them, young guns like Logan Sargeant, Oscar Piastri, and Lewis Hamilton‘s brother Nicolas posted their commiserations too.

Ken Block used to race in the World Rallycross championship, the ERX supercar championship, and Rally America. While he won a few races, he made a huge impact on several drivers across the world in F1, IndyCar, and many other racing categories.

Block had a snowmobile accident in Utah on January 2nd, 2023. Eventually, this accident proved fatal as Ken left the motorsport world in shock and tears.

Nicolas Hamilton posted on his Instagram a picture with Ken Block. His post captioned, “I literally have no words. RIP Legend.” Williams‘ new recruit Logan Sargeant also posted an Instagram story about how Block inspired him. He posted, “RIP Ken. Grew Up watching his videos. A Legend.

Sargeant’s peer Oscar Piastri too resonated with his fellow rookie. Piastri too spoke about Ken’s gymkhana videos on his Insta stories, saying, “Loved watching Ken’s gymkhana videos, Rest in Peace.”

2009 F1 champion Button tweeted in condolence, “In shock at the passing of Ken Block. Such a talent that did so much for our sport.” Jenson addressed how Ken Block was one of the best in motorsport. He also stated Block was a true visionary and had a unique style.

Former Mercedes champion Nico Rosberg also tweeted, “Rest in Peace, Ken!” 2-time champion Fernando Alonso posted his tribute to Block on his Instagram stories, “A legend of our sport. Rest in Peace #kb43.”

‘Horrible News’ Stuns Sports World as Rally Car Driver Ken Block, 55, Dies in Crash

Like Rosberg, Block was also a YouTuber. As Piastri and Sargeant mentioned about his Gymkhana videos, Ken was also famous in the YouTube community. Like the motorsport community, Block’s terrible loss has also affected several F1 and motorsport YouTube creators.

The Contribution of Ken Block to the Motorsport YouTube community

Ken Block has arguably revolutionized the video-making of several YouTube creators in motorsport. Block’s gymkhana videos were famous and had a major influence on many creators. Thus, when many YouTubers heard the news of Block’s demise, they were devastated.

Josh Revell, who makes videos on F1 and world motorsport took to Twitter to post his condolences for Block. He tweeted, “Race in Peace, Ken Block.” His fellow gamer and streamer Benjamin also expressed his shock and appreciated his gymkhana videos, posting, “Will forever remember the few minutes I had with him drifting at Goodwood. Motorsport world has lost a legend. RIP.”

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“Gymkhana” is a term used in equestrian and involves jumping hurdles. Thus, when this discipline is done using an automobile as Ken did, it involves taking the car past obstacles under a certain time limit. Ken Block has become an icon for making such awesome automotive videos besides his rally car racing.

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Certainly, Block made a big influence in shaping the F1 rookies like Sargeant and Piastri with these gymkhana videos. Many have cited how losing him in such a terrible way at 55 is quite saddening. Let us know your thoughts on Ken Block and his contribution to motorsport.