Sid Watkins, F1 safety pioneer dies ages 84

Professor Sid Watkins has died at the age of 84.

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A world renowned neurosurgeon and highly respected figure, Watkins was the FIA Formula 1 safety and medical delegate for 26 years. During his time in that role, Watkins pioneered an improvement in Formula 1 safety and helped save and prevent deaths in the sport. He was also known for his close friendship with the late Ayrton Senna. He was affectionately named "Prof" by the F1 paddock.

Professor Sid Watkins was awarded an OBE in 2002 after changing the face of motor sport safety. The like able character has helped save the lives of drivers like Mika Hakkinen, Rubens Barrichello and Karl Wendlinger.
After graduating as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Liverpool in 1956, he served as a Royal Army Medical Corps in West Africa for 4 years. In 1962 he moved to New York to become a Professor of neurosurgery at the State University of New York. During that time he often travelled to the Watkins Glen motor racing circuit with 4 members and his own equipment, due to the lack of medical supplies there.

After meeting Bernie Ecclestone in 1978, he was appointed as F1 doctor. His debut race in the role was at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. After the Italian Grand Prix of the same year, where Ronnie Peterson died, Watkins demanded more safety equipment and facilities at the race tracks. Ecclestone responded to these demands at the next round.

A visionary, Sid pushed for better safety and he got what he asked for, but the death of Gilles Villeneuve showed it was still not up to scratch. Arriving on the scene as safety and medical delegate, Watkins placed a tube in Villeneuve's windpipe to try and save him. After being put on a respirator, both Gilles wife and Sid decided to turn it off. Just a few rounds later Riccardo Paletti died. Watkins was on the scene of the crash in 16 seconds, but could not save him. In the process Sid also burned his hands after the car caught fire, due to his determination to save him.  

Safety was continuously improving thanks to the constant campaigning of Watkins, but F1 was still rocked with fatalities. At the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix there were 3 crashes, 2 fatal. The first involved Rubens Barrichello, who said that Sid saved his life. After the horrific and fatal crash of Roland Ratzenberger, Brazilian star Ayrton Senna was mentally shaken. Watkins, a close friend of his, tried to persuade him to retire and "go fishing". Senna raced and we all know what happened next. Watkins was the first on the scene and said ""his spirit depart at that moment" as Senna drew his last breath.

In 1994 the FIA Expert Advisory Safety Committee was set up, with Watkins becoming chairman. They helped to improve safety immensely, meaning not a single driver has died since. The changes that were made sparked a change in motor sport series all around the world, as safety became just as important as racing.

In 1995 Watkins saved the life of eventual double world champion Mika Hakkinen after he crashed heavily due to a puncture. The incident happened at extremely high speed and was unconscious when Watkins arrived on the scene. He restarted his heart twice and performed a cricothyroidotomy on track, saving the Finns life.

After an illustrious career spanning 3 decades, Sid retired. Post retirement, Watkins wrote a number of books including an autobiography and continued to be involved in improving the safety of motor racing.

A popular member of the F1 paddock for over 30 years, Watkins was famous for his determination and serious nature, but also for his happy and humorous personality

There were touching tributes made to the inspirational character on the social media site twitter. Some, like Rubens Barrichello, may not have been here without him.

Barrichello, who survived a hefty crash during that Imola weekend thanks to the help from Sid, said "It was Sid Watkins that saved my life in Imola 94.great guy to be with,always happy...thanks for everything u have done for us drivers.RIP "

Bruno Senna, who's uncle Ayrton was close friends with Sid, said 'RIP Prof. Sid Watkins. Sad news for us who stay behind.'Jenson Button paid tribute to "Prof"" Rest in Peace Sid Watkins...Motorsport wouldn't be what it is today without u. Thank you for all you've done, we as drivers are so grateful "

Sky F1 Commentator Martin Brundle said "Motor sport has lost a true visionary +character with death of Prof Sid Watkins, 84. Great man, funny too.Saved my left foot being amputated"

Mario Andretti added "Just landed in Calif to the news of Prof Sid Watkins passing. Every driver will remember the contribution he made to the safety of our sport"

Close friend Ron Dennis said 'Today the world of motor racing lost one of its true greats.No, he wasn't a driver. No, he wasn't an engineer. No, he wasn't a designer. He was a doctor and it's probably fair to say he did more than anyone, over many years, to make Formula One as safe as it is today. Many drivers and ex-drivers owe their lives to his careful and expert work, which resulted in the massive advances in safety levels that today's drivers possibly take for granted.'

The FIA also released a statement saying he 'made a unique contribution to motor sport, particularly in improving safety for F1 drivers, officials and spectators around the world'.

Watkins died yesterday (Wednesday), aged 84. RIP Sid.

I'm extremely saddened about the news of his passing. He is a true legend of F1 and his legacy will live on. I am also extremely grateful for all that he has done and the saving of so many lives. My heart goes out to his family and friends in this difficult time. Without him, F1 would not be what it is today. You will always be remembered Sid.