Formula One mourns the death of María de Villota - The F1 paddock reacts to the sad news of María's passing
Published by Christine
Spanish driver María de Villota passed away on Friday in a hotel room in Spain, as a consequence of the injuries sustained in the testing crash last year. A family statement said: “María left us while she was sleeping, approximately at 6am, as a consequence of the neurological injuries that she suffered.”
The Formula One paddock was understandably shocked and saddened by the news, and a minute’s silence was held before the Japanese Grand Prix. A statement from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association said: “Her positive attitude, maturity and extreme commitment will never be forgotten and are something we have learned from. María will be missed and always remembered by all of us.”
Fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso said: “She fight so much in the last year, and she was full of life, so it’s tough.” Monisha Kaltenborn added: “She always had a smile on her face, no matter what she went through... That’s what she leaves behind: you always have to have the strength and courage to believe in your goal, and go for it.”
