LONDON: Murray Walker, the British broadcaster regarded as the ‘Voice of Formula One’, has died aged 97. Walker, who served in the Second World War, became a Formula One icon during more than 30 years as a commentator for the BBC and ITV. Known for his passionate vocal style while commentating, he reported on his first Grand Prix for BBC radio at Silverstone in 1949. Walker became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978 and only hung up his microphone when he retired in 2001 after a 52-year broadcasting career. “So sad to hear of Murray’s passing. I remember growing up hearing your voice over the races,” said seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

From James Hunt’s 1976 championship triumph over Niki Lauda at a rain-lashed Fuji, to Ayrton Senna’s intense rivalry with Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell’s 1992 title glory, Walker’s voice was synonymous in the UK with some of F1’s most memorable moments.