Formula 1 Race Director Charlie Whiting has died at the age of 66 just days ahead of the 2019 season opener.
Whiting passed away in Melbourne, his death the result of a pulmonary embolism.
“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.”
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Whiting began his career in F1 with Hesketh during the 1970s before joining the then-Bernie Ecclestone owned Brabham team.
He joined the FIA in the late 1980s before being appointed race director in 1997.
The 2019 F1 season begins tomorrow with two 90-minute practice sessions.
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