Charlie Whiting has passed away aged 66

Charlie Whiting Formula 1's race director has died aged 66. Whiting was in Melbourne when he suffered a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning.

Whiting was set to officiate the season opener this coming weekend and had already walked part of the track with Sebastian Vettel. Since the news broke, F1 drivers and teams have paid tribute to Whiting.

Whiting joined the FIA in 1988 under the job title of technical director. During his racing days, he worked as a chief mechanic and chief engineer for Brabham. A team which won two world championships in the '80s while he was there.

FIA president Jean Todt described Whiting as a "central and inimitable figure who embodied the ethics and spirit of F1".

"Formula 1 has lost a faithful friend and a charismatic ambassador in Charlie," Todt added in an interview on the BBC.

Our thoughts here at GPBlog are with Whiting's family and close friends.