‘The voice of F1’ remembered as tributes flood in for Murray Walker
Tributes have poured in from Formula 1 drivers past and present following the sad news of Murray Walker’s death.
The British Racing Drivers’ Club announced on Saturday evening that Walker had passed away at the age of 97.
Walker was known as the voice of the world championship for generations of fans after serving as the lead commentator on F1’s coverage for more than 30 years.
He initially joined the BBC as a commentator in 1978 and worked full-time until he retired from his role in 2001 when he then served as ITV’s lead commentator.
Murray’s infectious and high-energy commentary style saw him become a fan-favourite, and the Briton was widely regarded as one of the greatest commentators of all-time.
In a legendary career that spanned seven decades, Murray was best known for his excitable and passionate style that coined his famous ‘Murrayisms’. He was loved by many proved a hugely popular figure within the paddock.
Murray was appointed an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motor racing.
Since his passing was announced, tributes have flooded in from across the motorsport world. Below is just a selection of the messages…
It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.
— BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) March 13, 2021
A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nations favourite commentator and a contagious smile.
We thank Murray for all he has done for our community.
RIP our friend. pic.twitter.com/3Of3Ia3nMB
Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) March 13, 2021
Rest in Peace Murray Walker, a gentleman and a legend in every sense of the word. It was an honour to know you, a delight to spend time in your company and inspiring to listen and learn from you. THE voice of Formula 1 and always will be. Thankyou xx
— David Croft (@CroftyF1) March 13, 2021
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
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 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
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
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
I'm deeply saddened by the loss of Murray Walker.
— Mika Häkkinen (@F1MikaHakkinen) March 13, 2021
That moment when @HillF1 won the World Championship will remain one of the most iconic moments in sports commentary... #Murray https://t.co/wxrMUX99X7
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) March 13, 2021
We are truly saddened to hear of Murray Walker's passing.
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) March 13, 2021
Murray was the voice of @F1 for so many, and provided unforgettable commentary on many of this team's most iconic moments. His passion for the sport was infectious, and never failed to make people smile. pic.twitter.com/YjN8nfSuia
Like millions of F1 fans, all of us at McLaren are deeply saddened by the news that Murray Walker has passed away.
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 13, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/0NBS1KWxpE
One of the legendary voices of @F1 has passed away. We are grateful to him for adding to the excitement of our battles on the track. pic.twitter.com/Qt2pHK8bmB
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 13, 2021
He was the voice of @F1 to millions and his love, passion and positivity for our sport were unmatched.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 13, 2021
You will be truly missed, Murray Walker pic.twitter.com/mXVDID6GdS
The voice of Formula 1 Murray Walker pic.twitter.com/uXWxMNpQtj
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) March 13, 2021
When we talk about legends in F1, Murray Walker is one of the few to earn the status outside of the cockpit. He was a master of his trade and will always be the voice of F1. Rest in peace, Murray. pic.twitter.com/CgeL0O8zUq
— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 13, 2021
Tonight we pay tribute to the voice of F1, the legendary Murray Walker, who brought joy to so many of us.
— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 13, 2021
Rest in peace, Murray. May you once again tussle for the mic with James Hunt. May your Murrayisms entertain all for ever more. pic.twitter.com/FjKyuOALV1
Rest in peace, Murray Walker. A true legend of F1. Thanks for making millions of fans love our sport. pic.twitter.com/F5cEvuycm9
— Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN (@alfaromeoracing) March 13, 2021
Saying goodbye to an icon of motorsport, Murray Walker. Thank you for capturing, and keeping, the attention of many F1 fans for generations
— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) March 13, 2021
And we’ve got to stop, because we’ve got a lump in our throat pic.twitter.com/QqJgCUrp6W
We are all very sad to hear that Murray Walker, the voice of motorsport, passed away earlier today. pic.twitter.com/QJSlILyyP4
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 13, 2021
“It is with great sadness that I have to inform Silverstone’s fans that Murray Walker died earlier today. He was to so many of us fans of F1, the voice that epitomised the sport we love. pic.twitter.com/sllG6Hhzx1
— Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) March 13, 2021
Some of Murray Walker’s best quotes:
“The car is unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.”
“It would have been Senna’s third win in a row if he’d won the two before.”
“With half the race gone, there is half the race still to go.”
“I don’t make mistakes. I make prophecies which immediately turn out to be wrong.”
"There's nothing wrong with the car except it's on fire."
"There are seven winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today, and four of them are Michael Schumacher."
"Unless I'm very much mistaken... I am very much mistaken!”
"And now excuse me while I interrupt myself!”
"Mansell is slowing it down, taking it easy. Oh no he isn't! It's a lap record."
"Do my eyes deceive me, or is Senna's Lotus sounding rough?”
“IF is a very long word in Formula 1. In fact, IF is F1 spelled backwards.”
“You can cut the tension with a cricket stump.”
"I'm ready to stop my start watch."
Crash.net sends our condolences to Murray Walker’s family.
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
