LEWIS HAMILTON and Damon Hill lead tributes as iconic Formula One commentator Murray Walker died aged 97.
British superstar Lewis Hamilton was among numerous people from motor racing to honour the ‘voice of our sport’.
Iconic F1 commentator Murray Walker has died aged 97Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Seven-time F1 world champion Hamilton tweeted: “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.”
Walker, whose broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, worked for the UK’s biggest channels before he retired from commentating in 2001.
He was known for his enthusiasm and for being a true gent – and will be fondly remembered for his humorous slip-ups, dubbed ‘Murrayisms’.
Murray’s most iconic moment came when Damon Hill crossed the line in Japan to win the 1996 F1 championship.
He was forced to stop speaking because he was so emotional about fellow Brit Hill claiming glory.
And Hill was one of the first of thousands to express his sadness.
The 60-year-old took to Twitter to share his thoughts as the news of Walker’s death broke.
Alongside a picture of the two of them together, Hill wrote: “God’s Speed Murray and thanks for so much. The Legend will never die.”
Another of Walker’s former colleagues, and ex-driver, Martin Brundle also paid tribute, writing: “Rest in Peace Murray Walker.
“Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.”
Two-time world champ Mika Hakkinen wrote: “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Murray Walker.”
Former F1 presenter and current BT Sport frontman Jake Humphrey tweeted: “Just weeks ago I spoke to Murray Walker on the phone. He was in a residential home, hating getting older.
“However, I could hear the sparkle and pride in his voice when we spoke about Lewis Hamilton’s 7th title. Murray set the standard. I’m honoured to call him a friend. RIP.”
Sky lead F1 commentator David Croft also described what it was like to work alongside Walker in his own emotional tribute online.
Croft described him as a ‘gentleman’ and a ‘legend’ and tweeted: “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. Thank you xx.”
BBC presenter Gabby Logan had some very touching words about Walker, saying no one on Earth would have anything other than ‘joyous memories’ of meeting the famous commentator.
She wrote: “There is not a human on this Earth who met Murray Walker who would have anything other than joyous memories and smiles thinking of their time.
“That voice, that turn of phrase and that enthusiasm for his passions and his life, he was a very special man.”
Williams Racing described Walker as ‘unforgettable’ and said his passion for F1 was ‘infectious’ as they added to the thousands of people offering tributes.
The team tweeted: “We are truly saddened to hear of Murray Walker’s passing.
“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.”
As well as being the voice of F1, fans and colleagues alike have been quick to point to Walker’s infectious personality.
And a clip from an interview with Jeremy Clarkson shows just how popular he was away from the track as he commentated on Ronnie O’Sullivan playing snooker.
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Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
