The world of motorsport is in deep mourning on Thursday following the sudden passing of Sid Watkins. Long-time Medical Delegate for the FIA, ‘The Prof’ never had any favourites and saved countless lives in his quest to make Formula 1 a safer place. He will be sadly missed, as a selection of tributes have already confirmed.
Bruno Senna
‘RIP Prof. Sid Watkins. Sad news for us who stay behind.’
Michael Schumacher
'A great loss for F1. Sid combined expertise with his heart and he was always there for the drivers. Of course, I remember Silverstone, when he was instantly at my side. I also remember our time together in the many FIA safety meetings over the years, in which he was always so keen to improve our security. My thoughts are with his family.'
Rubens Barrichello
‘It was Sid Watkins that saved my life in Imola 94. Great guy to be with, always happy...tks for everything u have done for us drivers. RIP.’
Ron Dennis, former McLaren Team Principal
'A true great. Many owe their lives to his careful and expert work. He did more than anyone, over many years, to make Formula 1 as safe as it is today. He was a dear friend and I'll miss him bitterly.'
Jean Todt, FIA President
'This is a truly sad day for the FIA family and the entire motorsport community. Sid was loved and respected in equal measure by all those who knew and worked with him. We will always be grateful for the safety legacy that he has left our sport.'
Gérard Saillant, President of the FIA Institute
'Sid was a true gentleman of our sport and always a pleasure to work with. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, from doctors and drivers to officials and fans. Sid's influence will live on for many years to come.'
Williams F1 Team
‘Such sad news about Prof Sid Watkins-our thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman who did so much for our sport - thank you’
David Coulthard
'Sid Watkins was one of the best men I have met in my life, totally selfless and the world has lost a great.'
Lewis Hamilton
‘It's a sad day, with the loss of Professor Sid Watkins. Without his incredible contribution to the sport, our lives as drivers would be a risk. My condolences go out to his family.’
Jenson Button
‘Rest in Peace Sid Watkins...motorsport wouldn't be what it is today without u. Thank you for all you've done, we as drivers are so grateful.’
Dario Franchitti, four-time IndyCar Champion
'Rest in peace Prof Sid Watkins. Every driver in every type of racing round the world owes you a huge debt of gratitude.'
Paul di Resta
'Sad to see the news about Sid Watkins, heard so much about him but never got to meet him.'
Martin Brundle
'Motorsport has lost a true visionary and character with death of Prof Sid Watkins, 84. Great man, funny too. Saved my left foot being amputated. Sid would often prescribe 'a stiff whisky and aspirin' unless your leg was hanging off. His way of saying 'just put up and get on with it.' Sid was the 'go to' man for health in motorsport. He helped, saved, or made more comfortable, numerous people who never sat in a racing car.'
Maurice Hamilton, Formula 1 journalist
‘RIP Prof Sid Watkins. Such serious work but so many laughs along the way. Top man. Motorsport owes you so much. Thank you.’
Heikki Kovalainen
‘Sad to hear professor Sid Watkins has passed away, one of the true greats in motorsport. R.I.P’
Mercedes AMG F1
‘Very sad news for the world of motorsport: RIP Prof Sid Watkins. Thanks for making F1 safer.’
Sahara Force India
‘The thoughts of everyone at Sahara Force India are with the family of 'Prof' Sid Watkins. A great man who contributed so much to the sport.’
Caterham F1 Team
‘Very sad news to hear about the passing of Prof Sid Watkins. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Prof made our sport safer and his legacy will keep saving lives for many years to come. His contribution to motorsport was immense.’
HRT F1 Team
'RIP Sid Watkins. It is thanks to him that we have such a high level of safety at the circuits.'
Marussia F1 Team
‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Prof Sid Watkins, who contributed so much to our sport & leaves such an important legacy.’
David Brabham
‘RIP Prof Sid, we will be forever indebted to you. Say hi to the greats up there, I bet they were all waiting for you.’
Dean Stoneman, 2010 Formula 2 Champion
‘Professor Sid Watkins will be sadly missed.’
Magny-Cours circuit
'We must pay our respects to Prof. Sid Watkins. A pioneer of motorsport safety and a gentleman to boot. RIP.'
Jake Humphrey, BBC F1 Presenter
‘Sid Watkins. Not lauded or idolised as the men behind the wheel are but you could argue his skills were far greater-RIP.’
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