F1 to hold minute's silence in remembrance of HM Queen Elizabeth II

F1 will pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II with a minute's silence before running at the Italian GP weekend

Queen-Elizabeth-II

F1 will observe a minute's silence before Italian GP FP1

Getty Images

Formula 1 will hold a minute’s silence at the Italian Grand Prix to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The UK’s longest-reigning monarch, aged 96, passed away yesterday at her Balmoral residence after a short period of ill health.

The GP paddock will observe the silence in Monza at 1.50pm local time, ten minutes before FP1, with another likely to be held before the race on Sunday.

F1 was swift to put out a statement in tribute to the Queen, who came to the throne in 1952.

“Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.

“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.”

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the Queen was “undoubtedly one of the most respected heads of state ever to have lived. Motor sport, and especially Formula 1, has its heart in the United Kingdom, and the Royal Family has over the years given great support and patronage to the sport.”

Other senior figures in F1 also paid tribute.

“Very saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, who received an OBE in 2013.

“Her remarkable reign touched and moved so many; remaining steadfast in her duties as a mother and our monarch to the end.”

“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,” added Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

“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.”