Náhle zemřel ředitel závodů F1 Charlie Whiting, zdrcená komunita F1 je v šoku

Důvodem nečekaného úmrtí je plicní embolie. Charlie byl napříč padokem oblíbený, přestože často řešil zapeklité problémy a dohlížel na udělované penalizace. Svou práci odváděl výborně, vždy se snažil být objektivní a vše posuzovat spravedlivě. Velkou měrou navíc přispěl ke zvýšení bezpečnosti Formule 1.

Odešla legenda,  milá osobnost, kterou bude nyní na začátku nové sezóně těžké nahradit. V Austrálii se o to tento víkend pokusí Michael Masi, jemuž FIA přidělila funkce Whitinga: ředitel závodů, bezpečnostní delegát a startér.

Svou kariéru v F1 začal již v roce 1977 v týmu Hesketh, poté v 80. letech pracoval u Brabhamu. Nedílnou součástí šampionátu Formule 1 se stal v roce 1988, kdy začal pracovat pro Mezinárodní automobilovou federaci (FIA). Jako ředitel závodů působil od roku 1997.

"S nesmírným zármutkem jsem se dozvěděl o náhlé smrti Charlieho. V mých myšlenkách a v myšlenkách FIA celé komunity motorsportu jsme s jeho rodinou, přáteli a milovníky F1," komentuje prezident FIA Jean Todt.

"Charlieho jsem znal celý svůj závodní život. Pracovali jsme spolu jako mechanici, stali se přáteli a strávili jsme na závodních tratích po celém světě tolik času. Když jsem se dozvěděl tu tragickou zprávu, naplnil mě ohromný smutek. Jsem zničený. Jde o obrovskou ztrátu nejen pro  mě, ale pro celou rodinu Formule 1, FIA a motorsport jako celek. Upřímnou soustrast jeho rodině," dodává šéf F1 Ross Brawn.

"Včera jsem s ním mluvil, prošli jsme spolu několik prvních zatáček na dráze. Těžko tohle strávit... Byl to muž jezdců. Byl vždy vůči všem otevřený. Byl závodník, velmi milý chlap," vzpomíná pilot Ferrari Sebastian Vettel.

"To, co udělal pro sport... byl skutečně pilířem," loví těžko slova pětinásobný šampion Lewis Hamilton.

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

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

— ROKiT WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) 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

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

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]

— Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) 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

"I want to express our deep sadness and shock at the news of Charlie’s sudden passing. It’s hard to believe he will not be with us this weekend, as he was such an integral part of Formula 1 for so many decades."Tanabe-san continues below 🗨️👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/2ifFOFFP27

— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) 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

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 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lflW2fhYiM

— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 14, 2019

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. pic.twitter.com/OXUVESdgnc

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) 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

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

Just arrived in Melbourne to the terrible news about the passing of Charlie Whiting. Charlie was one of the best and most respected figures in @F1 , and above all a great person. It’s a great loss for our sport. He will be deeply missed! All my thoughts are with his family. RIP pic.twitter.com/uZIzj1NDnZ

— Marcus Ericsson (@Ericsson_Marcus) March 14, 2019

Horribly sad news about Charlie Whiting... A great friend who I enjoyed working with at the Indian GP & on various FIA commissions. His contribution to motorsport was huge - did 5 people's jobs yet managed to reply to a call or an email within an hour! Condolences to his family.

— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) March 14, 2019