Formula One commentary legend Murray Walker has died aged 97, the British Racing Drivers’ Club confirmed on Saturday.
Walker was the lead commentator on British TV for over two decades, working for the BBC between 1976 and 1996 and ITV between 1996 and 2001.
A BRDC statement read: “It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate member Murray Walker OBE,” the statement reads.
“A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile. Murray will be sadly missed, his mark and voice will live on in motorsport and our hearts forever.
“We thank Murray for all he has done for our community. Sending our love and thoughts to Murray’s family and friends in this difficult time.
“RIP our friend.”
In more than 40 years of commentating on motorsport, Murray Walker became synonymous with Formula One, not only in his homeland but also across many countries which took the BBC broadcasts. His style was unique, famed for its enthusiasm as well as often amusing mistakes which have gone into folklore. But he was never rude or even overly critical, preferring to see the best in drivers.
A tank commander in the war, he made his commentating debut in 1948, but it was not until the mid 1970s that Formula One races were broadcast live on British TV and he only went full-time in 1978. Until then he combined his media work with a job in advertising, something he remained doing until the early 1980s.
In 1997 when the BBC lost F1 rights to ITV it was expected Walker, by then 73, would retire but instead he switched to ITV and continued. He finally retired after the 2001 US Grand Prix at Indianapolis but continued to make occasionally appearances behind the microphone.
Formula One released a statement saying: “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”
Tributes from across the sport flooded in after the news was announced.
Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.
— Martin Brundle 💙 (@MBrundleF1) March 13, 2021
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
The voice of F1 and a true legend of our sport. His legacy will forever live on. Rest in peace, Murray. https://t.co/3fNedRQHLs
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) March 13, 2021
Sad news indeed. RIPMurray https://t.co/3DJabAhBvv
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) March 13, 2021