Sid Watkins

Who was Sid Watkins?

Eric Sidney Watkins, OBE, FRCS, 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 later serving four years in the Royal Army Medical Corps before specialising in Neurosurgery in Oxford and later London. Watkins also acted as a race track doctor at weekends which he continued at Watkins Glen International when he was appointed the Professor of Neurosurgery at Syracuse University.

A meeting with Brabham team boss Bernie Ecclestone who offered him 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 for which Watkins performed for twenty six years. He helped to save the lives of many drivers including Gerhard Berger, Martin Donnelly, Érik Comas, Mika Häkkinen, Rubens Barrichello and Karl Wendlinger. Watkins was also known for his friendship with driver Ayrton Senna.

Watkins was married, with four sons and two daughters. He died on 12 September 2012 after a heart attack.