A highly regarded figure in F1. Sid Watkins retires after 25 years of involvement in F1. He is replaced by Gerard Saillant who is close to Jean Todt and looked after Michael Schumachers rehabilitation form injury in 1999. http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2011/12/a-great-man-bows-out-of-motorsport/
He's been in F1 forever. It was very emotional when Watkins talked about Senna's accident in the the film.
He's a giant. Countless lives have been saved due to his expertise and demands for improvements in safety. Mika is still with us due to Sid and Sid alone. Amazed that Bernie or the powers at the time didn't hire him on until '78, he was involved with racing well before and actually was the track doctor at suitably appropriate Watkins Glen during his tenure at an American hospital.
His comments in the film were almost word for word from his book. His affection for Senna was very real. His leaving F1 will be a big loss. His accomplishments in safety for the sport is something every driver should be grateful for.
+1 One of the true good guys. From his wiki entry; It also mentions the disaster that befell Ronnie at Monza in '78, but I'd rather not relive that one. Suffice to say; Thanks for your service and enjoy your retirement dude! Cheers, Ian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_Watkins
I'm surprised Professor Watkins made it that long. He's 83 years old, even older than Bernie! Sid Watkins is/was an institution in F1.
