The Formula 1 world was rocked by the news of veteran race director Charlie Whiting’s sudden passing on Thursday morning. Whiting, who had served in his position since 1997 and had been working in Formula 1 for four decades.
Formula 1 announced Thursday that Whiting, 66, suffered a pulmonary embolism and died in Melbourne, just days before the first race of the 2019 season.
Whiting was a key figure on race weekends, and it was a common occurrence to hear drivers pleading their case to him – or cursing his decisions – over the radio. Fans, teams and drivers were in shock over the news, and many of Formula 1’s biggest stars paid tribute to Whiting on social media.
