By Sportsmail Reporter
Published: 08:54 GMT, 14 March 2019 | Updated: 09:01 GMT, 14 March 2019
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Formula One stars arrived at the Melbourne Grand Prix circuit on Thursday as it was confirmed that race director Charlie Whiting had suddenly passed away.
The sudden death of Whiting set a somber tone for the first weekend of the F1 season, with the attention to the regular rivalries such as Lewis Hamilton vs Sebastian Vettel taking a back seat to the incoming tributes for the respected director.
Hamilton and co still had their opening-day responsibilities to carry out and were seen posing for their annual driver portraits ahead of the Australian GP on Sunday.
Lewis Hamilton gives a thumbs up as he arrives at Melbourne Grand Prix circuit on Thursday
