Motorsport community pays tribute to Murray Walker

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In the round-up: Tributes to legendary Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker have flooded in following the news that he has died at the age of 97.

What they say

F1 drivers past and present have expressed their sadness at the death of Murray Walker and paid tribute to his legacy in the sport. Lewis Hamilton was among those who said how Walker’s inimitable commentary style left an impression on him as a young motorsport fan.

So sad to hear of Murray’s passing. I remember growing up hearing your voice over the races. You made the sport so much more exciting and captivating. The iconic voice of our sport and a great man, thank you for all you did, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace

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Social media

Notable posts from Twitter, Instagram and more:

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Comment of the day

There are, unsurprisingly, a wealth of tributes from readers to Murray Walker and the instrumental role he played in stirring so many passions for Formula 1 and motorsport in so many of us. Each is personal and @ben-n offers their own account of what Walker meant to them – one that will likely resonate with many.

It’s a strange feeling to feel so sad about the passing of a 97-year-old man I never knew, but I really felt this.

Murray Walker was the sound of my childhood. The only person I ‘knew’ who loved my favourite thing as much as him. I looked forward to every weekend so I could spend two hours sharing my passion with Murray. I hope he knew how much he meant to so many people.

What an astonishing life. If there were more Murray Walker’s, the world would be a far better place.

Rest in Peace to a terrific man, who taught me that “anything can happen in Formula One, and it usually does!”
@ben-n

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to Patrickl and Chapmankillie!

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On this day in F1

  • On this day in 1976: James Hunt won the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch, which the BBC refused to televise because of the Surtees team’s Durex sponsorship

Author information

Will Wood
Will has been a RaceFans contributor since 2012 during which time he has covered F1 test sessions, launch events and interviewed drivers. He mainly...

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9 comments on “Motorsport community pays tribute to Murray Walker”

  1. F1 seems to be making a habit of losing significant figures on the eve of seasons. First Charlie Whiting, then Stirling Moss and now Murray Walker. For anyone who hasn’t listened to it, I’d recommend the Beyond the Grid interview with Murray from a couple of years ago:

    Maybe not right now though. I know I’d be in tears…what a life he lived!

  2. Without a doubt, the best of all.

  3. The tech to make the timing screens to sort lap cars dropping back is very basic. We do it fine in Indycar. The extra fuel you save is irrelevant as you are still a lap down

    It’s been obvious for years, but this is F1. No one questions or suggests anything to ‘the way it’s done’.

  4. Thank you so much for comment of the day. It meant a lot today. I can’t stress how much this “unknown” man meant to me; more than any driver. In a surrounding that loved football or rugby or cricket, I sometimes felt alone in my love/obsession for Formula One. Murray made me feel included and welcome in this strange sport and helped to set me up with a passion for life. I owe a lot to him.

    1. Congratulations and commemorations.

  5. Yes my sincere thanks to Murray Walker a legend of motosport broadcasting. The time with James Hunt was wonderful, his irreverence complimented Murray perfectly.
    I remember his delightful enthusiasm blessing BBC Grandstand’s coverage of national rallycross on Saturday afternoons where his excitable voice had plenty of opportunities to take us along for the ride.
    “Lump in my throat” moment indeed. May your soul rest in peace Murray.

  6. Murray introduced F1 to many people who went on to become devoted fans. RIP.

    Five lights, four lights, three lights, two lights, one light.

  7. The last phrase of the comment of the day is indeed one I’ve heard from walker as well.

  8. I’ve only been following F1 since 2000, but I have watched every old video I could find. He was the indistinguishable broadcast voice of F1. His enthusiasm as a F1 fan showed through in every broadcast. Best regards on a wonderful career and to his family.

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