Bernie Ecclestone pays tribute to Professor Sid Watkins – Formula 1 news
Formula 1 CEO, Bernie Ecclestone has paid tribute to the safety and medical delegate of FIA, Professor Sid Watkins who has passed away at the age of 84 after a long battle with cancer.
Ecclestone brought Watkins in the sport in 1978 so as to take the essential measures for the drivers’ safety when the rate of injuries and accidents was very high. The safety pioneer had contributed a lot for the well being of the race drivers.
Even though, he was retired from his seat in 2004, however, he kept on participating in the matters regarding the protection of the drivers and continued to provide his valuable suggestions.
The Briton expressed that the great medical reformer dedicated his whole life for the safety of the sport and did many incredible things for which they all are immensely grateful to him.
“What Sid Watkins did in the way of safety in Formula One was incredible. He gave his whole life to that cause, to make sure that it could be as safe as it possibly could be. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his caring and commitment,” the Brit said.
In addition, he said that when he invited the English neurosurgeon, they discussed many issues regarding the safety and introduced a fully equipped hospital which has all the medical facilities at the track.
“Sid carried all of those things through, and many more. After the accidents to Jochen Rindt and then Ronnie Peterson, I suggested that he should have a medical intervention car and that he should take the responsibility for taking drivers into medical care,”
he added.
Additionally, he said that Prof. Sid was a great team member and was always keen to work for the betterment of F1 while he insisted that no one can take his place. Over and above, he said that a person with such an amazing calibre is hard to find.
It will be important to note that Watkins had a very special relationship with the three-time world champion, Ayrton Senna who died in an accident in 1994.
Although, the great medical doctor has left the world, nonetheless, he will always be in the hearts of the people and his work will live forever.
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