Portrait at the microphone of commentator Murray Walker on 2 February 1993 at the Allsport studio in Colliers Wood, London, England. (Photo by Gray Mortimore/Getty Images)
Murray Walker was an English motorsport commentator and journalist, popularly referred to as the ‘voice of F1’
Murray Walker provided television commentary of live Formula One coverage for the BBC between 1976 and 1996 and ITV between 1997 and 2001. During his 23-year run as a full-time commentator, Walker became known for his animated enthusiasm, authoritative voice, and comical blunders. He retired from full-time commentary after the 2001 United States Grand Prix, but returned to broadcasting part-time in 2005 and made occasional appearances on the BBC, Channel 4, and Sky Sports F1.
Walker passed away aged 97 on March 13, 2021. He commentated on his first Grand Prix for the BBC at Silverstone in 1949. He became a full-time F1 commentator in 1978. Walker became synonymous with F1 through his commentary, first with the BBC and then ITV, before retiring in 2001.
In June 2013, Walker was diagnosed with blood cancer lymphoma and underwent six months of intensive chemotherapy. Walker withdrew from Channel 4’s commentary for the 2018 British Grand Prix due to ill health but appeared in recorded features.
He was appointed an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motor racing. His co-commentators included the late James Hunt, who was F1 world champion in 1976, and the pair built up a memorable partnership. He also had a popular partnership with former Grand Prix driver Martin Brundle.
Murray Walker left behind a huge estate worth over £11 million after his demise in 2021. The voice of motorsport, who died aged 97 in March, bequeathed almost all of his estate to his wife Elizabeth, whom he married in 1959. The couple had no children
In his simple, two-page will, he also left £20,000 to a friend. Walker, whose broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, had wanted his fortune shared among numerous charities had his wife not survived him.
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