Charlie Whiting dies, aged 66

Long-time serving Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting has died, on the eve of the start of the 2019 F1 season.

The FIA confirmed that Whiting suffered a pulmonary embolism while in Melbourne, which hosts the opening round of the season.

Whiting has acted as F1's race director since 1997, having joined the FIA in 1988. Prior to his role within the governing organisation, Whiting worked at the Brabham and Hesketh Formula 1 teams.

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

“I have known Charlie Whiting for many years and he has been a great race director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula One 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 motor sport community go out to his family, friends, and all Formula One lovers.”

F1's managing director Ross Brawn added: “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. 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.”