The legendary motorsports commentator, Murray Walker, has died at the age of 97. The British broadcaster was commonly associated as the voice of Formula One for nearly three decades, becoming a staple of F1’s TV coverage.
A statement from The British Racing Drivers’ Club said: “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.”
Born on the 10th of October 1923, Walker soon took after his father, a renowned racer on two wheels. Graham Walker had a fifteen-year stint in motorcycle racing, which included winning the Isle of Man TT. And, although son Murray didn’t share the same ability on two wheels, it was this early exposure to motorsports that would lead him to become a trackside legend.
Murray would later commentate motor racing events on the weekends, but not before he was drafted for military service. As an 18-year-old, Walker entered the British army and served in the second world war. He commanded a Sherman tank, and even reached the rank of captain, before leaving the military in the years after the war.
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Walker first commentated on a Grand Prix in 1949 for a radio broadcast. Commentating remained a weekend gig as he pursued a career in advertising. But in 1976, everything changed. After James Hunt’s victory over Niki Lauda, the British public’s interest in Formula One was at an all-time high. The BBC decided to cover all Grand Prix, and sought Walker’s help to head the coverage—a move that would see F1 receive the televised lap-by-lap commentary that we’re accustomed to today.
Walker continued to work in advertising before retiring at the age of 60. He then focused solely on his commentary work, effectively starting a second career that would last another 17 years.
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One of Walker’s most memorable commentary pairings was with 1976 F1 champion-winner James Hunt. It was a partnership that spanned the 80s and early 90s. The mish-mash of personalities endeared the duo to many fans of the sport. The former world champion was the outspoken individual he was, and Walker often tried to tow a more professional approach to the broadcasts.
Another well-known pairing was with Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle. Brundle, who continues to lead coverage of Formula One for Sky Sports, paid tribute to his former colleague and friend, saying, “Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.”
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Walker, who received an OBE in recognition of his services, was perhaps best known for his “Murrayisms” — a phrase coined to describe his often-humorous mistakes. Quotes such as “There is nothing wrong with his car, except that it is on fire!”, “unless I am very much mistaken – I am very much mistaken” and “It would have been Senna’s third win in a row if he’d won the two before”, endeared him to viewers around the world, and made him a British national treasure to many.
Walker retired from F1 commentary in 2001 at the age of 78. Although he remained a fan of the sport in the years subsequent, he was rarely seen in the paddock, as he vowed not to become “a pathetic old hanger-on.”
We at CarScoops would like to share our condolences with the Walker family.