Legendary Formula One commentator Murray Walker passes away at the age of 97 

Legendary motorsport and Formula One commentator Murray Walker OBE has passed away at the age of 97.

Walker’s broadcasting career spanned over 50 years, half of which as a full-time F1 commentator for BBC and ITV. He was famed for enthusiastic voice and his ‘Murrayisms’ during live races.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club announced Walker’s passing on Saturday night and described him as ‘a true motorsport legend’ and ‘the nation’s favourite commentator’. 

Legendary motorsport broadcaster Murray Walker OBE has passed away at the age of 97

Walker was a full-time Formula One commentator for the BBC and ITV for over 25 years

Formula One posted on their social media platforms that Walker’s passing was ‘very sad’ and claimed ‘his passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world’.

Martin Brundle, former British F1 driver and Walker’s co-commentator for several years, added that Walker was a ‘wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius. Formula One legend’.

F1 legend Damon Hill added: ‘God’s Speed Murray and thanks for so much. The Legend will never die. #Murray #F1’

Walker first worked in Formula One commentary at the BBC during the 1949 Grand Prix. He also did sports broadcasting work alongside his father Graham, with the pair being the single father and son commentary duo between 1949 and 1962. 

Walker was well-famed for his ‘Murrayisms’ and his enthusiastic voice on the air

Walker (left) formed an iconic partnership on the air with James Hunt (right) at the BBC 

After his father’s death in 1962, Walker became the BBC’s chief motorcycling commentator, while also doing occasional Formula One broadcasts during the 1970s.   

He became the BBC’s full-time F1 commentator in 1978 and would go on to form half of a popular double act with 1976 world champion James Hunt. 

Walker moved over to ITV when the broadcasting rights for Formula One moved over in 1997, with Brundle joining him as a co-commentator until his retirement in 2001. 

He was appointed an OBE in the 1996 Birthday Honours list for services to broadcasting and motorsport. 

Walker’s services to broadcasting and motorsport earned him an OBE in 1996

He retired from regular broadcasting in 2001 but occasionally appeared part-time for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Sports afterwards.

Several members of the broadcasting community paid tribute to Walker’s career, including Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and former BBC Formula One presenter Jake Humphreys. 

Lineker tweeted: ‘Saddened to hear that Murray Walker has passed away. A true broadcasting great and very much the voice of Formula 1 on @BBCSport for decades. The chequered flag may have been waved for the final time but he’ll always be remembered. RIP Murray.’

Several members of the F1 and sports broadcasting community paid tribute to Walker’s life

Meanwhile, Humphreys posted: ‘Just weeks ago I spoke to Murray Walker on the phone. He was in a residential home, hating getting older. However, I could hear the sparkle and pride in his voice when we spoke about @LewisHamilton’s 7th title.

‘Murray set the standard. I’m honoured to call him a friend. RIP’ 

Chief Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft added: ‘Rest in Peace Murray Walker, a gentleman and a legend in every sense of the word. It was an honour to know you, a delight to spend time in your company and inspiring to listen and learn from you. THE voice of Formula 1 and always will be. Thankyou xx’

Two-time Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen also revealed he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the loss of Walker.