Hamilton pens emotional tribute to Murray Walker after F1 legend dies at 97

One of the greatest F1 drivers of all time in Lewis Hamilton has paid an emotional tribute to one of the best commentators of all time in Murray Walker.

The much loved journalist passed away at the age of 97 this week following a memorable commentary career which begun at Silverstone back in 1949.

Walker went full time in 1978, working for both the BBC and ITV before retiring in 2001.

In what has become a historic moment in F1 history, Walker had to pause in his assessment of the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix with a ‘lump in his throat’ as Britain’s Damon Hill took the World Championship.

Hamilton, who is well placed to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record of seven World Championship during the upcoming 2021 season, has now penned his own tribute on Twitter.

He wrote: “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.”

Damon Hill has said: "Maybe old soldiers never die? His legacy and his memory is so strong, and what he gave to so many Formula 1 fans and number of people he affected, he became bigger than the sport, so we have got a lot to be thankful to Murray for.

"He could emote the events that happened in our sport. The shocking moments and the dramatic moments all have Murray's reaction to them and he made those events stick in your mind forever.

"And he allowed himself not to be the know-it-all commentator, but the fan who, at times, got over excited."

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    • A statement from the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) said: "It's with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC associate member Murray Walker OBE.

    "A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation's favourite commentator and a contagious smile.

    "We thank Murray for all he has done for our community. RIP our friend."

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