With barely 24 hours left until the Australian GP weekend can kick off, tragedy struck the paddock. Long-time F1 Race Director, Charlie Whiting suddenly passed away due to a Pulmonary Embolism. For the uninitiated, a pulmonary embolism is when an artery develops a clot and it could be fatal.
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Following the news, tributes poured in from around the F1 paddock and even a few drivers outside the sport. Here is how Twitter reacted to the shocking news of his passing at the age of 66.
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. f1.com/Charlie
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.
"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."
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.
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. [1/2]
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Charlie Whiting’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
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.
FIA Statement - Charlie Whiting fia.com/news/fia-state…
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
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
Everyone at Scuderia Ferrari is deeply saddened to hear that Charlie Whiting has passed away. Comment from Team Principal Mattia Binotto facebook.com/50021417667487…
‘He contributed so much to us, may he rest in peace.’ 💬 #AusGP
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.
FIA Statement - Charlie Whiting fia.com/news/fia-state…
Very sad and surreal news ahead the Australian GP. Can’t believe it.. My thoughts are with the family and friends. He’s done so much for the sport we love. Rest in peace Charlie #VB77
FIA Statement - Charlie Whiting fia.com/news/fia-state…
Horrible news from Melbourne. All my thoughts goes to Charlie's family. The motorsport world will miss you. R.I.P.
Very sad and shocked to hear Charlie passed away. Thank you for always looking out for us, F1 will not be the same without you. RIP Charlie 🙏🏻
The whole motorsport family will miss you. Thanks for everything you did Charlie! R.I.P 🙏
my thoughts are with the family and friends. R.I.P. Charlie.. we‘ll miss you!
Very sad news today with the passing of Charlie. He was a true @F1 lover and key figure of our sport. I'll miss meeting and talking to him at races. He was always listening to the drivers and looking after our safety. He will be greatly missed. All my thoughts to his family 🙏
Deeply saddened about Charlie’s passing. I always enjoyed a racing discussion with one of the most outstanding professionals in our sport. He will be very missed. All my sympathies with his family and friends.
I think everyone is the paddock is gonna miss Charlie. Very sad news to all of us. Thoughts to his family and friends. Thanks for all you’ve done for our sport... #RestInPeace
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.
Adiós a una gran persona, un hombre que fue un amigo y una guía en el paddock. Se le va a extrañar al gran Charlie Whiting. Mis pensamientos y oraciones están con toda su familia. ¡Descansa en Paz, Charlie! 🙏
Imago
Haas F1 paid tribute even further for the late Whiting
1/2 A tribute to Charlie Whiting from Ross Brawn: “I have known Charlie for all of my racing life. 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" cont
2/2 Ross Brawn: "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.”