[Qahtwugc]

What to say?

To him Formula 1 was a sideline, the 'day job' was as a top neurosurgeon. In addition to F1 and other racing drivers there are many others who owe their lives to him.

A long life, lived well.

True, though he took a lot of time off his work for his F1 stints.

My perspective on Sid's work is mixed. I did once work at the same hospital as him and took a few referrals from him. In his day job he was average amongst an excellent cohort of surgeons and all he did in F1 was to bring medical practices pioneered elsewhere and frankly part of everyday practice to the racetrack. However the impact of what he did on F1 was undeniable. It is sad that race organisers prior to Sid's work rejected safety to such a degree that normal 'civilians' knocked down in the street and taken to the local hospital were treated infinitely better than racing drivers who faced terrible odds of crashing on a daily basis.

He was also undeniably one of those rare things, a good bloke. That is why I mourn his passing the most.

We shouldn't forget also that none of his efforts would have come to fruition had Bernie not threatened to cancel races if Sid's demands weren't met or Max pushing through regulation changes at the FIA. They might not be the most pleasant characters but the two of them did everything they could to improve safety and support Sid. That Bernie was even prepared to sacrifice profit for safety should tell you something.

[Hinigyday]

Yes, it is true. He has passed away. Very sad news. A true gentleman. He will be missed. I'm sure Ayrton is up there waiting for him.

It's rare news like this affects me but tonight I go to bed with tears in my eyes.

RIP Sid! Probably one of the most respected and liked men ever in F1.

They might finally get to go fishing RIP Sid Watkins, a man who dedicated his life to ensuring those that risked theirs were provided with the safest environment to do so.

[Ferkilort]

RIP Sid Watkins,you were held in high esteem in F 1 ,for the safety that is now learnt in the sport.And you will have helped to stabilise quite a number of racing drivers after accidents,especially the one involving Michael Schumaker at Silverstone,when he had a brake problem,causing him to have a horrific accident there .

[nd90t3sf]

Motorsport magazine have posted Simon Taylor's interview: Lunch with... Professor Sid Watkins - F1 History - Motor Sport Magazine

[alicewong]

RIP...

[Pedsshuth]

I'm disappointed that this thread has so few people posting on it to mark their respect. If this was about the death of an old driver (for example, Jackie Stewart), then I believe it would run to many pages. IMO The Prof is every bit as important, if not more so, than any of the guys that drove the cars.

[MaickiP]

I'm disappointed that this thread has so few people posting on it to mark their respect. If this was about the death of an old driver (for example, Jackie Stewart), then I believe it would run to many pages. IMO The Prof is every bit as important, if not more so, than any of the guys that drove the cars.

I'm thinking that not a lot of people really know who he was, or what he really contributed to the sport over the last 30+ years.
I really didn't either until a friend of mine, who actually met him, suggested that i read his book Life on the limit. Reading it coincided with the movie Senna that recently came out. So, i read his book and watched the movie and feel like i've learned so much more about the history of the sport. Interesting thing is that Sid and Senna's stories overlap and interesting to learn about from a few different perspectives.

[xgnuwdd]

I'm thinking that not a lot of people really know who he was, or what he really contributed to the sport over the last 30+ years.
I really didn't either until a friend of mine, who actually met him, suggested that i read his book Life on the limit. Reading it coincided with the movie Senna that recently came out. So, i read his book and watched the movie and feel like i've learned so much more about the history of the sport. Interesting thing is that Sid and Senna's stories overlap and interesting to learn about from a few different perspectives.

I think most people who were watching F1 before say 2000 would be well aware of who he was. It sounds to me like you are fairly new to the scene so you could be excused for not realizing up until recently.

I've watched since 1988 so watched in an era where his name was often referred to.

[forebirdo]

[QUOTE=kfzmeister;1065301]I'm thinking that not a lot of people really know who he was, or what he really contributed to the sport over the last 30+ years./QUOTE]

I suppose. I guess that as I've been watching the sport for 20+ years and heard commentary from Murray Walker and Martin Brundle that often referred to Sid, I am perhaps a bit more aware.

As you're no doubt aware it was just F1 that he contributed to. Apparently the IOC asked Seb Coe if the medical facilities at the Olympics would be "as good as F1". It's largely down to Sid Watkins that means F1 can be seen as a yardstick. The most amazing part is that F1 was a sideline for him, a part time thing. First and foremost he was a neurosurgeon, and a particularly good one from what people say.

[clubcughSheet]

At the end of it all, it's the death of a person. He did good things, people remember him fondly, and anyone who knows of him through being fans of F1 can say we're happy he came along and did what he did.

84, and all that.

Good luck to you, Prof, you've acheived what most people would like to have: a full life, lived well.

[Japakefrope]

A great man.

He probably as most have said, did more to help F1 drivers and drive safety on.

He will be sadly missed.

RIP. Prof

[Shemker394]

I'm disappointed that this thread has so few people posting on it to mark their respect. If this was about the death of an old driver (for example, Jackie Stewart), then I believe it would run to many pages. IMO The Prof is every bit as important, if not more so, than any of the guys that drove the cars.

I honestly don't blame them, its left to fans/enthusiasts with a thirst for knowledge to appreciate individuals in the sport.

Race protocol is taken for granted. Do many people under the age of 30 know Herbie Blash and Charlie Whiting were more than just 'Bernie's Cronies'?

Safety is taken so much for granted. Prof was often name checked by commentators as with Whiting.

[tramdoctorsss]

RIP.

[ggdfgtdfffhfyj]

Professor Sid Watkins was a great man.

His conributions to safety in motorports are legendary.
Anyone who has not read his book has missed out.

Come on everyone. Out loud. Three cheers for the Professor! Hip Hip Horay! Hip Hip Horay! Hip Hip Horay! God's speed Sid.

[Leaters]

I think most people who were watching F1 before say 2000 would be well aware of who he was. It sounds to me like you are fairly new to the scene so you could be excused for not realizing up until recently.

I've watched since 1988 so watched in an era where his name was often referred to.

I started getting into F1 around 1999, so fairly new perhaps. Did you read his book?

[layedgebiamma]

I started getting into F1 around 1999, so fairly new perhaps. Did you read his book?

No I haven't read his book, but its on my list. I've read many F1 books referencing him and his work though. He used to be interviewed occasionally and always gave the opinion he was doing everything he could for the safety of the drivers. Unfortunately his death is a reminder to me, and I'll probably have his book on my Christmas list this year.

[77chawzence]

It must be sad for Bernie. He's no spring chicken himself, and to see someone as important as Watkins go must make him feel he's nearly on the last lap himself...