In the wake of Justin Wilson’s untimely passing, tributes have been pouring in all day from members of the racing world, including the F1 community.
The Briton died at the age of 37, succumbing to the severe head injury he sustained in a crash during the latest IndyCar round held at Pocono Raceway last Sunday.
Having learned the ropes in karting, Sheffield-born Wilson then switched to single-seaters and rose to prominence in 1998 when he became a finalist of the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award. Although he eventually lost out to future F1 champion Jenson Button, the South Yorkshire racer still graduated to the International Formula 3000 championship, a series he won in 2001 by defeating Mark Webber.
Wilson was promoted to Formula One in 2003, driving for Minardi in the first 11 grands prix before Jaguar called him up to replace Antonio Pizzonia alongside the same Webber. Despite picking up a point by finishing eighth in the US Grand Prix, Wilson was not retained for 2004 and elected to go racing stateside instead.
The Brit would enjoy a successful open-wheel career in America, finishing Champ Car runner-up twice before becoming a regular feature and multiple race winner in IndyCar, while also securing victory at the 2012 Daytona Hours. A true jack of all trades, Wilson also competed at the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours and took one Formula E race start for Andretti Autosport at Moscow last June.
Justin Wilson is survived by wife Julia and their two daughters.
The motorsport World comes 2 a standstill once again. @justin_wilson was a great person & racing driver. My thoughts are with his family RIP
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in Karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy. #RIPJustin — Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
Last night a very good man left us. Mate. So sorry. RIP Justin My thoughts are with your loved ones. — Mark Webber (@AussieGrit) August 25, 2015
We are devastated by the terrible news of Justin Wilson's passing. Our thoughts are with Justin's family and friends in this moment. RIP. — Sahara Force India (@ForceIndiaF1) August 25, 2015
Heartbreaking news about Justin Wilson's death. All our thoughts are with Julia, Stefan, the rest of the family and the @IndyCar community
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) August 25, 2015
Such sad news. Our deepest condolences go to Justin's family and all who knew & admired him. RIP Justin... https://t.co/i2e9Uo43H3
— Lotus F1 Team (@Lotus_F1Team) August 25, 2015
So sad to hear that Justin Wilson passed away. What a dreadful news and what a dramatic year for racing. Losing too many champions — Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) August 25, 2015
This is so sad, have no words... RIP Justin https://t.co/6JFblHIi28 — Jean-Eric Vergne (@JeanEricVergne) August 25, 2015
With deep sadness, we take note of Justin Wilson’s death. Our thoughts are with his family and friends #IndyCar #Motorsport #OneFamily — Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) August 25, 2015
A big smile has left us. #RIPJustin — M A X Chilton (@maxchilton) August 25, 2015
Like all the motorsport community, we are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of @justin_wilson. Our thoughts with his family.
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) August 25, 2015
Rest in peace, Justin. pic.twitter.com/QSyDGiTmur — Giedo van der Garde (@GvanderGarde) August 25, 2015
We knew him well, since 2003... @justin_wilson, you will be missed! All our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/HvqlHda8CH — Toro Rosso (@ToroRossoSpy) August 25, 2015
A tragic loss. All at the Team send their deepest condolences to Justin's family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/fidOOyzt5j — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) August 25, 2015
RIP Justin Wilson. All my thoughts and prayers for his family
