TRIBUTES have flooded in for Murray Walker, the ‘voice of Formula One’, who died at the weekend aged 97.

Murray, who lived in Fordingbridge and had a broadcasting career which spanned more than 50 years, worked for the BBC and ITV before retiring in 2001.

The British Racing Drivers Club said in a statement on Saturday: “It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC associate member Murray Walker OBE.

“A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile.

“We thank Murray for all he has done for our community. RIP our friend.”

F1 tweeted: “We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away.
“His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed.”

The broadcasting legend, who commanded a Sherman tank and fought in the Battle of Reichswald during World War II, commentated on his first grand prix race at Silverstone in 1949 and became a full-time commentator in 1978.

In 2017, Murray appeared at the Beaulieu Motor Museum to “flag away” vehicles taking part in the Round Britain Coastal Drive (RBCD) to raise awareness for prostate cancer.

Murray was a frequent visitor to Beaulieu and his father Graham, who died in 1962, was the first curator of what was then the Montagu Motor Museum.

When Damon Hill took the chequered flag at Suzuka to win the Japanese Grand Prix and become world champion in the early hours of an October morning in 1996, an emotional Walker cried: “I have got to stop because I have got a lump in my throat.”

Paying tribute to his friend, Damon Hill said: “Murray has been with me for my whole life and I don’t think anybody thought this day would come, but sadly it has. Maybe old soldiers never die? 

“His legacy and his memory is so strong, and what he gave to so many F1 fans and number of people he affected he became bigger than the sport so we have got a lot to be thankful to Murray for. 

“The shocking moments and the dramatic moments all have Murray’s reaction to them and he made those events stick in your mind forever. 

“He allowed himself not to be the know-it-all commentator, but the fan who, at times, got over excited.”