Legendary Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker has died at the age of 97, the British Racing Drivers Club BRDC has announced.
Walker was the main F1 commentator in the UK from 1976 to 2001, when he was 78, and during that period he became an icon of the sport.
The British Racing Driver Club said goodbye to Murray with great sadness, but also respect for everything he has done in his career.
“We share with great sadness the news that an associate member of the British Racing Drivers Club, Murray Walker, has passed away,” the statement said.
“A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile. We will miss Murray sadly, and his mark and voice will live forever in motorsport and our hearts.”
“We thank Murray for everything he has done for our community. We send our love and thoughts to Murray’s family and friends in these difficult times. Rest in peace our friend.”
Murray was born on October 10, 1923, and began his commentary career at the age of 25 commenting on motorcycle racing before occasionally commenting on Formula 1 in the 1970s.
He did his first full season in Formula 1 in 1978 for the BBC for which he worked from 1976 to 1996, after which he went on to comment on Formula 1 races for ITV from 1997 to 2001 alongside Martin Brundle.
Formula 1 has said goodbye to Walker on its social networks, as have a number of other Formula 1 figures including Murray’s co-commentator Brundle.
“His passion and love for the sport has inspired millions of fans around the world,” the Formula 1 statement said.
“It will forever be a part of our history and we will miss it immensely.”
We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away
His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world
He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed pic.twitter.com/cMwLjjqxAj
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 13, 2021
Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.
— Martin Brundle ? (@MBrundleF1) March 13, 2021