Charlie Whiting has died, age 66

F1 race director Charlie Whiting has passed away, age 66.

Whiting, who was in Melbourne for the start of the Formula 1 season and was seen in the paddock on Wednesday, suffered a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning.

He passed away.

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

“Charlie Whiting was a great race director, a central and inimitable figure in Formula 1 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 1 lovers.”

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.https://t.co/36pAcjjZOy

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2019

Whiting arrived in Formula 1 in 1977, working for the Hesketh team before moving onto Brabham.

Playing a pivotal role in Nelson Piquet 1981 and 1983 World Championship titles, he joined the FIA in 1988 and became race director nine years later.

A well-liked figure in the paddock, F1 has paid tribute to him.

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