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:
Today we say farewell to one of the greats of our sport, Murray was the voice of F1 for so many years, he put his heart and soul into commentating. The legend will always live on in our memories but today in Murray’s words “I’ve got to stop because I have a lump in my throat” pic.twitter.com/Z10RcslkGk
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) March 13, 2021
God's Speed Murray and thanks for so much. The Legend will never die. #Murray #F1 pic.twitter.com/s3HBqeoYLz
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) March 13, 2021
So sad to hear the news about Murray. He was inspirational, supportive and a legend. I feel honoured to have worked in a neighbouring booth to him and then with him directly when I joined the BBC and he came along to Silverstone. His voice will stay with me forever
— Ben Edwards (@benedwardstv) March 13, 2021
Deeply saddened to learn of the death of my mentor Murray Walker. Just shy of his century. We lived some great experiences together on the road, many laughs and endless stories. A life incredibly well lived. #MurrayWalker #F1 pic.twitter.com/y0uIjs4eQd
— James Allen (@Jamesallenonf1) March 13, 2021
Hum…interesting to see the lack of stability from the rear end. That corner in Bahrain always gives you a good idea of how the car behaves.
Mercedes will I'm pretty sure work and find solutions https://t.co/oYpWZKA1it— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 13, 2021
Very sad to learn that Murray Walker has passed away. @F1 Grand Prix commentator for over 25 years for the BBC and ITV, notably with James Hunt, he was the voice of Formula 1. All the @FIA family pays tribute to him. My thoughts are with his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/NtD178U8HF
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) March 13, 2021
@CroftyF1 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.
— M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) March 13, 2021
The legendary Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker has died at the age of 97.
Here’s a look back at the time he “realised a life ambition” by getting behind the wheel of a Formula One car. pic.twitter.com/YiwfIiIwCV— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) March 13, 2021
- Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory
Links
More motor racing links of interest:
Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, dies aged 97 (Guardian)
"Murray Walker, the voice of Formula 1, has died aged 97. Walker, whose broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, worked for the BBC and ITV, before he retired from commentating in 2001."
Murray Walker: A legend with effervescent enthusiasm (BBC)
"In describing Walker's commentary style, the late broadcaster and writer Clive James hit the nail on the head: 'In his quieter moments, he sounds like his trousers are on fire.'"
Bahrain test day two (AlphaTauri)
Yuki Tsunoda: "I’m really starting to understand the car and how it reacts with different tyre compounds now – my performance isn’t perfect yet but I’m happy with how the test is going from my side. I’m also getting more confident in high speed corners, as I continue to understand the downforce levels of the car more with each run we do. "
Perez pleased with debut Red Bull test despite bizarre car failure that triggered a red flag (F1)
Perez: "I couldn’t feel when that happened, just the car felt a bit more difficult, but other than that I think the team is sorting it out. We didn’t lose much track time actually, it was the same for everyone as there was a red flag. Given that we lost some track time earlier in the morning I think overall it has been a good day."
Ross Brawn on how Formula 1 plans to be more road relevant (Autocar)
"We want to achieve both aims, making sure we have an entertaining and competitive championship with integrity, but then offer an environment where we can make it a viable investment for these brands and companies to be involved in Formula 1 to enhance and lift the level"
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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
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Tommy C (@tommy-c)
14th March 2021, 2:58
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!
LMB-F1 (@luis)
14th March 2021, 4:51
Without a doubt, the best of all.
Balue (@balue)
14th March 2021, 7:05
It’s been obvious for years, but this is F1. No one questions or suggests anything to ‘the way it’s done’.
Ben Needham (@ben-n)
14th March 2021, 7:06
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.
ColdFly (@)
14th March 2021, 8:13
Congratulations and commemorations.
Gmacz
14th March 2021, 12:22
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.
Rodber
14th March 2021, 13:18
Murray introduced F1 to many people who went on to become devoted fans. RIP.
Five lights, four lights, three lights, two lights, one light.
Esploratore (@esploratore)
14th March 2021, 23:24
The last phrase of the comment of the day is indeed one I’ve heard from walker as well.
jet
15th March 2021, 0:31
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.