British broadcaster famously known as the ‘Voice of Formula One’ passed away on March 13 at the age of 97.
Murray has been a Formula one icon for more than 30 years. He commentated for ITV and BBC. In 1949, he did his first Grand Prix for BBC radio at Silverstone and became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978.
After a prolific 52-year broadcasting career, he retired in 2001.
Also Read: F1 star Fernando Alonso ‘conscious and well’ after cycling accident in Switzerland
Murray served in the Second World War, commanding a Sherman tank in the Battle of the Reichswald. He graduated from Sandhurst’s Royal Military College, reported AFP. After leaving the Army, he joined the BBC.
He was diagnosed with Lymphoma at 89 while he was getting tested for a fall he suffered while on holiday
F1 racers, fans, and friends have poured their tributes on Twitter.
Also Read: Australian Grand Prix postponed; record 23-race season still scheduled to begin in March
World champion Lewis Hamilton said on Twitter, “So sad to hear of Murray’s passing. I remember growing up hearing your voice over the races.”
From James Hunt’s 1976 championship triumph over Niki Lauda at a rain-lashed Fuji to Ayrton Senna’s intense rivalry with Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 title glory, Walker’s voice was synonymous in the UK with some of F1’s most memorable moments.
“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,” wrote Formula 1.
Formula 1 team McLaren wrote on Twitter, “Like millions of F1 fans, all of us at McLaren are deeply saddened by the news that Murray Walker has passed away. He brought our sport to generations by sharing his passion and knowledge with humour and humility. Our thoughts are with all who had the fortune to know him.”