Formula 1's long-serving and widely respected race director Charlie Whiting died suddenly in Melbourne Thursday, leaving a "huge void in the sport" just days before the opening Grand Prix of the season, AFP reported.
The 66-year-old Briton, who had been at the helm since 1997 and was in charge of everything rules-related in the highly technical sport, suffered a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot.
The F1 community has expressed their shock and sadness of Whiting's sudden passing by posting messages and tributes on social media.
Here's a list of those posts:
2016 F1 champion and former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg:
F1's statement:
Former Benetton F1 driver:
2009 F1 champion Jenson Button:
Scuderia Ferrari:
McLaren F1:
Red Bull F1: