Sid Watkins

Eric Sidney Watkins (6 September 1928 – 12 September 2012), commonly known within the Formula One fraternity as Professor Sid or simply Prof, was an English neurosurgeon. Born in Liverpool, Watkins enrolled at the University of Liverpool where he graduated in 1952. He later served four years in the Royal Army Medical Corps before specialising in neurosurgery in Oxford and later, in London. Watkins also acted as a race track doctor at weekends which he continued at Watkins Glen International when he was appointed a Professor of Neurosurgery at State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.At a meeting with Brabham team boss Bernie Ecclestone, he was offered the role as the FIA Formula One Safety and Medical Delegate, head of the Formula One on-track medical team, and first responder in case of a crash, a role which Watkins performed for 26 years. He helped to save the lives of many drivers including Gerhard Berger, Martin Donnelly, Érik Comas, Rubens Barrichello, Karl Wendlinger and Mika Häkkinen.

Watkins had two sons, Sid and Alistair and two daughters, Jessica and Martha. He also shared two stepsons, Matthew and Antony with his third wife Susan, a biographer and historian. He died on 12 September 2012 of a heart attack.