By Press Association Reporter
Published: 06:39 GMT, 14 March 2019 | Updated: 06:39 GMT, 14 March 2019
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The death of 'irreplaceable' Charlie Whiting has cast a shadow over the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Whiting, who carried out a wide range of duties as the FIA Formula One race director, died on Thursday from a pulmonary embolism in the southern Australian city where he was due to work this weekend.
News of the Briton's death filtered through the paddock at Albert Park on the eve of Friday's first practice session, with seminal figures from motorsport among those paying tribute.
Lewis Hamilton (right) praised Whiting (left) as one of the sport's iconic figures
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton said Whiting was an 'iconic figure in the sport'.
He added: 'What he did for the sport and his commitment, he really was a pillar.
'I've known Charlie since I started in 2007... what he did for the sport, his commitment, he really was an iconic figure.'
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel said he only spoke to Whiting on Wednesday.
He said: 'You could ask anything at any time, his door was always open.
Sebastian Vettel (right) was another one of the drivers to pay tribute to Whiting
