Watkins steps away from F1

[Dare]

Best wishes for the future



Safety pioneer Professor Sid Watkins has retired as president of the FIA Institute, ending his involvement in professional motorsport.

Watkins has played an integral part in improving safety in Formula One, ensuring that there has not been a death in the sport since that of the great Aryton Senna in 1994.

A neurosurgeon by trade, Watkins began his service to F1 in 1978 when he took up the role of medical delegate. It was a position he held for more than 25 years and during that time the Briton is credited with saving the lives of a number of racers.

Working together with Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, Watkins ensured that increased safety measures were implemented and played a major role in pushing them to the level they stand at today.

In 2004, Watkins took up the role of president of the FIA Foundation for Automobile, an organisation formed to work on the safety and sustainability of the sport.

It is from this position that Watkins retires, although he will remain on the foundation in an honorary capacity. He will be replaced by Professor Gerard Saillant.

[lkjohnson1950]

Completely reorganized the medical safety of F1. Or maybe I should say created the medical organization of F1. Before he and Sir Jackie began their safety campaign a driver had a better than 50/50 chance of dying in a race car.

[John S]

Top man Prof Sid.      Age catches up with us all in the end.

[cosworth151]

Well done, Prof. Sid. Hope you enjoy your retirement! 

[Alianora La Canta]

Happy retirement, Professor, and thank you for the enormous contribution you have made. Many drivers and a fair few spectators and marshals owe you their lives, many more have been spared injuries due to your work and we the fans have been granted many exciting moments simply because your work has made F1 (and other branches of motorsport due to trickle-down effects) much, much safer.