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Sid Watkins Obituary
Team officials and Watkins' family said the English neurosurgeon died on Wednesday, with an F1 statement describing him as a "safety pioneer."
Watkins, who tended to Ayrton Senna after the three-time champion's fatal crash at Imola in 1994, was at the forefront of F1 safety for 26 years and served as medical delegate from 1978 to 2004.
"Many drivers and ex-drivers owe their lives to his careful and expert work, which resulted in the massive advances in safety levels that today's drivers possibly take for granted," McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said.
"No he wasn't a driver. No he wasn't an engineer. No, he wasn't a designer. He was a doctor and it's probably fair to say that he did more than anyone, over many years, to make Formula One as safe as it is today," Dennis said. As a trackside doctor, the man known as "The Prof" was credited with helping save the lives of Finland's two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, Austrian Gerhard Berger and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, among others, after heavy crashes.
"It was Sid Watkins that saved my life in Imola 94. great guy to be with, always happy...tks for everything u have done for us drivers. RIP," Barrichello said in a Twitter post.
Senna was the last F1 driver to die during a race, with Watkins' tireless safety campaigning and push to improve the standard of medical facilities widely regarded as the main factor behind the improved measures since then. There are now universal standards in medical centers at circuits while a medical helicopter is mandatory at all F1 races.
"RIP Prof. Sid Watkins," Senna's nephew, Bruno, who now races for Williams, tweeted. "Sad news for us who stay behind."
Watkins became a professor of neurosurgery at the London Hospital in 1970.
After his F1 medical career, Watkins retired from active duty in 2005 but continued to campaign for safety improvements in motorsport through his role as the first president of the FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety.
He stepped down from that post in 2011 but retained an honorary role.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
38 Entries
December 17, 2012
I met him many times between 1986 and 1992, working as a sports journo. wonderful man, lovely sense of humour and totally dedicated to his work for, and with the drivers. He will be much missed.
L Barker
September 27, 2012
To the Watkins family,may the words of God Almighty fondle your hearts found in matt.5:4,"Happy are they that mourn,for they will be comforted."
a friend
September 25, 2012
Sincerest and deepest condolences
Stephen Lane
September 23, 2012
Condolences to the "Profs" family. His personal bravery and resilience honours his life. A great man
How you can show support
jan webber
September 23, 2012
Sadly missed x
September 20, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about this death. the bible can be of some comfort at john 3 16
ms
September 18, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Watkins family. May the God who gives peace be with you all.
Romans 15:33
September 18, 2012
Trials like these can be very hard. Please allow the fond memories, the love from family and friends, and most of all relying on the strength that only God can give, bring you the comfort that you need at this time.
nm c
September 18, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Chris Edwards
September 18, 2012
Rest in peace, Prof. So many owe so much to you. Your legacy will always live in the number of lives you saved on and off the track.
john earle westbrook
September 18, 2012
May the love of family, friends and God provide strength and comfort.
Barb
September 18, 2012
With sincere condolences to family and friends and may you find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
September 17, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Watkins family on the death of Sid From reading his life story it reminds me of the words of (Ecclesiastes 7:1 “A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born.” May his tireless efforts to improve life and safety bring fond memories to your heart
charlotte nc
September 17, 2012
To the family of Sid Watkins may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
September 17, 2012
During this most difficult time may the family and dear friends be comforted by God's inspired word.
September 17, 2012
Please allow us to extend our heartfelt sympathy. The Bible teaches that "God is love".(1John 4:16)Surely a God of love cares about you and your family at this time of grief. Take comfort in that love. You are in our prayers
Laura Green
September 16, 2012
“In the height and in the holy place is where I reside, …Also with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.” -Isa. 57:15.
With Deep Sympathy,
September 16, 2012
John 17:3 knowledge leads to everlasting life.
TINA CHUKS
September 15, 2012
MY SYMPATHY GOES TO THE FAMILY OF MR. SID WATKINS. MAY THE GOD OF PEACE AND COMFORT BE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
Bankston
September 15, 2012
We send our condolences.May the God of all comfort be with you in the days ahead.
September 15, 2012
The world has lost another great person.May the God of Comfort grant peace to this family during this time of sorrow.(2Cor.1:2-4)Barb Meill
September 15, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. Our heavenly Father is a refuge and strength for us during our distresses-Psalm 46:1. Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.60466.
contreras daniel
September 14, 2012
I thanks god for knowing you and lovly Jess .I will always remember you with great simpaty and love
September 14, 2012
Our hearts go out to the Watson family and friends. Romans 15:33
September 14, 2012
To the the family of Sid Watkins - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Ben Flanery
September 13, 2012
Sad to hear of Dr. Watkins' passing. He has truly left a lasting legacy in the world of Formula One.
God Bless the family and all those who knew him. He will be missed.
Have fun fishing Sid
Terry Trammell MD
September 13, 2012
An inspiration and a role model to me. I was privileged to consider him my friend. I will miss him greatly
Reading, for enjoyment
Phil Watkins
September 13, 2012
Having read the books and shared some passions, although not a relative I allays felt we shared more than our sir name.
September 13, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Watkins family. May God give you strength at this grievous time.
Jem D. Florida
September 13, 2012
May the "God of all comfort" be with your family.
\
Sincerely,
Lorna & Martin McDade
September 13, 2012
You saved many lives and touched many more. You are our F1 Hero. I'm sure Ayrton has already greeted you with a wee tipple! RIP Lorna & Martin Hamilton, Scotland
diane beeman
September 13, 2012
Thanks for all your concern over the years for the racing world.
September 13, 2012
Sid You were a legend and a good friend and support when we built the first brain injury unit in Sheffield in 1995, we could not have done it without you and your endless supply of anecdotes and stories to keep us sane.!.
God bless, and dont forget your rod on your last journey, .. the fish are waiting..!
Martin R
Jeff Walker
September 13, 2012
RIP Sid. I'll never forget his heartbreaking description of watching Ayrton Senna take his last breath, and his comment that while he was totally agnostic, he felt Senna's soul leaving his body. Farewell Sid, you did an enormous service to F1 specifically and racing in general.
T
September 13, 2012
To see a need and pursue it is a fine and honorable thing to do and be a part of, Rom 14:19 encourages us to pursue peace and to be upbuilding toward one another. The way Mr. Watkins pursued safety for each race care driver we all should pursue peace toward each other what a fine example he set toward his fellow man.
Rick Briggs
September 13, 2012
Thanks for your years of service, You kept the drivers of my favorite series in good hands! You will be missed!
September 13, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know God will help you through these difficult times. Psalms 46:1
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