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Sid Watkins

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Doctor

The Resume

    (September 6, 1928-September 12, 2012)
    Born in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
    Eric Sidney Watkins
    Neurosurgeon, Formula One race track doctor
    Head of the Formula One on-track medical team for twenty six years
    Started the Brain and Spine Foundation (1992)
    Credited with saving the lives of several grand prix drivers after potentially fatal racetrack crashes
    Famous for his friendship with Formula One driver Ayrton Senna (pictured)

Why he might be annoying:

    He was a heavy drinker fond of smoking cigars.
    He repeatedly clashed with FIA heads (albeit over racing facility regulations.)
    He threatened to resign over a dispute with Nelson Piquet when he petitioned to drive after being declared unfit to race following a crash injury.
    Gilles Villeneuve reportedly joked 'I hope I never need you, Prof,' only to be thrown from his Ferrari during a qualifying race, killing him on impact.
    He claimed to have - while not religious - felt Ayrton Senna's spirit 'depart from his body' while tending him at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Why he might not be annoying:

    HJe graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1952.
    He served four years in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
    He was offered the title of Formula One race doctor after treating Bernie Ecclestone in 1978.
    He was instrumental in introducing many of the safety improvements in the Formula One sport.
    He was Knighted in recognition of his work in improving the safety of Grand Prix racing (2002).
    He performed life-saving surgery on Mikka Hakkinen following a 1995 crash.
    He also was credited with saving the lives of Rubens Barrichello and Gerhard Berger following similar life threatening crashes.
    He was one of Ayrton Senna's closest friends, and the two frequently went on fishing trips together (he also reportedly advised him against participating in what would ultimately be his final race).

Credit: BoyWiththeGreenHair


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 8 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 2 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 8 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying