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The 'massive void' left by a lost legend

Charlie Whiting never looked like a motorsport colossus, but his sudden death last week revealed not only the esteem he was held in but the true extent of the responsibility he shouldered

The Formula 1 paddock is rarely united. It became exactly that during the Australian Grand Prix weekend, bonded through sadness and disbelief after long-serving FIA race director Charlie Whiting's sudden death. The tributes that flowed and the sadness that prevailed during the opening weekend of the new season were a measure of the respect and admiration the 66-year-old had earned among drivers, teams and various personnel.

Plenty has been said and written about the qualities of the irreplaceable Whiting, and the impact his death will have on F1. However, Whiting's true impact is best illustrated by the scope of his dedication and expertise, and that extended well beyond F1 races.

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