F1 world mourns death of 'life saver'

Sid Watkins arrives at the premiere of Senna, held at the Curzon Cinema in London. PRESS ASSOCIATION photo. Picture date: wednesday 1st June 2011. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA

Sid Watkins arrives at the premiere of Senna, held at the Curzon Cinema in London. PRESS ASSOCIATION photo. Picture date: wednesday 1st June 2011. Photo credit should read: Ian West/PA

Published Sep 14, 2012

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The world of motorsport has paid tribute to Professor Sid Watkins, the Formula One doctor to whom so many drivers owe their lives, after he passed away on Wednesday night aged 84.

Watkins, a renowned neurosurgeon and driving force in improving safety for Formula One competitors and spectators, spent 26 years as the sport’s on-track doctor.

Didier Pironi, Nelson Piquet, Gerhard Berger, Rubens Barrichello, Mika Hakkinen, Martin Donnelly and Karl Wendlinger all recovered from potentially life-threatening injuries thanks to his swift actions and skill.

Referring back to his horrific crash at Imola in 1994, Barrichello tweeted: “It was Sid Watkins that saved my life in Imola ‘94. Great guy to be with, always happy ... tks for everything you have done for us drivers. RIP.”

That same fateful weekend, Watkins attended to Roland Ratzenberger and his great friend Ayrton Senna, both of whom suffered fatal accidents that prompted then FIA president Max Mosley to hand the man known simply as ‘Prof’ carte blanche to improve the sport’s safety.

He even gave Senna a talking to.

Watkins later revealed how he attempted to persuade Senna not to race, telling the Brazilian: “What else do you need to do? You have been world champion three times, you are obviously the quickest driver. Give it up and let’s go fishing.”

Senna replied: “Sid, there are certain things over which we have no control. I cannot quit. I have to go on.”

Watkins was given a role in Formula One in 1978 by Bernie Ecclestone and after the death of Ronnie Peterson at the Italian Grand Prix that year, demanded - and got - better on track medical facilities and the presence of a helicopter at every race.

The introduction of the medical car was also a Watkins requirement. -Daily Mail

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