Formula 1 intends to observe a minute of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at the Italian Grand Prix.
The world’s most recognizable and longest-reigning queen passed away on Thursday evening, just a few hours after it became public knowledge that she was receiving medical care at Balmoral Castle.
F1 quickly released a statement paying homage to the 70-year reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.
“Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world.”
“Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
Before Friday’s first practice, all teams are expected to observe a moment of silence. Another moment of silence will probably be observed before Sunday’s race on the starting grid.
After the queen’s passing, several F1 teams have given their tributes.
Christian Horner, the boss of the Red Bull team and an OBE recipient in 2013, said: “Very saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her remarkable reign touched and moved so many; remaining steadfast in her duties as a mother and our monarch to the end.”
“I had the honour of meeting Her Majesty a couple of times and she will be remembered by a country and commonwealth whom she served for more than 70 years, devoting herself with unreserved dignity and dedication… I would like to take the opportunity to send my deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this time.”
Mercedes F1 team boss Toto Wolff said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an inspiring figure who dedicated her life to public service with integrity and quiet leadership for 70 years.”
“The impact she made in the UK and around the world will be felt for generations to come and the values she stood for are the best of all human values: dignity, respect and compassion. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth.”
Aston Martin Cognizant F1 team owner and chairman Lawrence Stroll said: “On behalf of the entire Aston Martin family, I wish to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. We remember the light she shone across the world; the people she brought together; the many lives she touched.”
“We remember, too, her sense of duty – an unfailing devotion both to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth. Hers was a life lived beyond self. United in grief, we remember her great life – long in years and huge in achievement.”
“To the royal family, we offer our deepest condolences, as we join the world in our mourning.”
Motorsport, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, described the queen as unquestionably one of the most respected heads of state ever to have lived and the Royal Family has over the years provided significant support and patronage to the sports especially Formula 1, which has its roots in the United Kingdom.
