Professor Sid Watkins OBE

[Brad Zarse]

I'm reading on Michael Vergers Facebook, that we have today lost Professor Sid Watkins.  

For those who don't know, Professor Sid was the Formula One medical delegate, who was in charge of medical operations for the Formula One circuit for many years.  He was instrumental in bringing about significant improvements towards both safety, and medical attention around Formula One, which have subsequently been rolled out to other forms of the sport.  He was a world renowned Neurosurgeon, and started a large variety of research and development charities.  He was actively involved in Motorsports until the age of 83, and leaves a legacy of much improved understanding of treatment in motorsport and beyond.

RIP Professor Sid. I'm sure all the greats (and our beloved Termie) are up there waiting for you - and there's a fair few who are still down here because of you.  Safe journey.

[John G]

That is sad news, RIP Professor Watkins

[mulc99]

RIP Sid. Wonderful man.

[mgmark]

A good and highly respected man, who drove through fundamental changes for the good in the sport we all love.  RIP

MG Mark

[Snoring Rhino]

RIP Professor Sid Watkins OBE, what could be better than leaving a legacy that was for getting things done at the highest levels for the benefit of others.

[Boorish Grobian]

A great loss, but a man who made a invaluable contribution to safety in motorsports, F1 in particular.  Bernie appointed him to head up, and form a new F1 safety committee in the wake of the shambolic 1978 Italian GP, at the time medical & rescue services being provided by the organizers at each GP, and the quality of the services could very dramatically from country to country.  He was beloved by the drivers under his watch, all of them hoping they would never need his services, personally overseeing rescue operations at each GP.  His book Life at the Limit makes terrific, if sometimes grim reading.
Somewhere he's having a whiskey with his buddy Ayrton.
Fax

[Jules G]

RIP Prof Sid Watkins, enjoy fishing with your buddy Ayrton.

The link below is from the Keys and Gray show on Talk Sport from last year and the Prof joined them for 30 mins or so to talk about his work in F1 and of course Ayrton Senna.


http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/richard-keys-and-andy-gray/blog/2011-06-02/professor-sid-watkins-death-ayrton-senna