Vettel in shock over Whiting after Australia track walk
Sebastian Vettel says his shock at the loss of Formula 1 race director Charlie Whiting has been intensified by the fact he shared a track walk with Whiting in Australia on Wednesday.
The Ferrari driver and Whiting met up at the exit on the Albert Park pit lane on Wednesday afternoon and stayed together for a first part of the lap as they inspected the circuit.
As news of Whiting’s death emerged on Thursday, Vettel said he was left in disbelief about the loss of someone so highly regarded.
“I guess I was as shocked as we all still are now, especially since I spoke to him yesterday and walked the track for the first couple of corners together with him,” said Vettel. “It’s difficult to grasp when somebody is not there any more.
“I have known him for a long time and he has been our man, the drivers’ man. Obviously there are regulations and all that, and then there is us, and he was the middle man.
“Someone could ask anything at any time, he was open to everyone and his door was always open. He was a racer and a very nice guy.”
Williams driver Robert Kubica was also out on track at the same time as Vettel and Whiting on Wednesday, but decided not to interrupt them.
“It is a hard moment,” said the Polish driver. “I saw Sebastian walking with Charlie yesterday.
"I thought I would not interrupt them because I would see him on Friday at the drivers’ briefing, which will not be the case and it is very sad.
“He [Whiting] was a kind of icon of F1, but not only F1. He was, as Seb said, a racer, but also keeping up with everything in the regulations. And he was really kind of a person who you could always trust and commit with. It is a very sad moment.”
Max Verstappen spent time with Whiting at a recent stewards’ convention, and said his passing was proof about the need to appreciate each day.
“It was a big shock – because I spent the day with him in Geneva, and we had a good chat about a lot of things," said the Red Bull driver. "When I left, I said ‘see you in Australia for another season of racing’. So when you hear this news, it is unbelievable, at 66 years old.
“You have to appreciate every day and every morning that you wake up, and enjoy life. It is not only about F1 it is about other things in life, so this is just one part of it.
“I think at the moment what is the most important is that the thoughts are going to his family and friends and close ones.”
World champion Lewis Hamilton added: "I was incredibly shocked to hear the sad news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
"What he did for this sport, his commitment, he really was a pillar as Toto [Wolff] said. Such an iconic figure in the sporting world. May he rest in peace.”
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, with Charlie Whiting, Race Director, FIA
Photo by: Joe Portlock / LAT Images
Previous article
Ricciardo reveals "funky" helmet design for 2019
Next article
Obituary: Charlie Whiting, 1952-2019
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Sebastian Vettel |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
