Murray Walker, the voice of Formula One, has died aged 97, the British Racing Drivers’ Club has said.

Walker, whose broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, worked for the BBC and ITV, before he retired from commentating in 2001.

The BRDC said in a statement: “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.”

Martin Brundle, who commentated alongside Walker in the final years of his career, led the tributes on social media.

Writing on Twitter, Brundle said: “Rest In Peace, Murray Walker.

“Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.”

The Northern Echo:

F1 tweeted: “We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away.

“His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed.”

World champions Mercedes tweeted: “He was the voice of F1 to millions and his love, passion and positivity for our sport were unmatched. You will be truly missed, Murray Walker.”

McLaren, Britain’s most successful F1 team, said on Twitter: “Like millions of F1 fans, all of us at McLaren are deeply saddened by the news that Murray Walker has passed away.

“He brought our sport to generations by sharing his passion and knowledge with humour and humility. Our thoughts are with all who had the fortune to know him.”

The Northern Echo:

The Williams team paid tribute to Walker, who was in the commentary box during the outfit’s glory years in the 1980s and 90s.

“We are truly saddened to hear of Murray Walker’s passing,” read a tweet from the team.

“Murray was the voice of F1 for so many, and provided commentary on many of this team’s most iconic moments.

“His passion for the sport was infectious, and never failed to make people smile.”

A second post added: “Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. We will miss you Murray and we can only sign off by drawing on one of his most legendary pieces of commentary…

“And we’ve got to stop. Because we’ve got a lump in our throat.”

David Croft – the current lead commentator on Sky Sports’ F1 coverage – posted: “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”

The Northern Echo:

Three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, 81, told the PA news agency: “There will never be another Murray Walker.

“He is one of those people that will be remembered forever, and not too many commentators could expect that to happen after their life.

“It is a great loss. We are all at a certain age where we are seeing friends and colleagues slip away which is very sad, but in the case of Murray, he will never be forgotten.”