About Sid Watkins
Eric Sidney Watkins (6 September 1928 – 12 September 2012), also known as Professor Sid or simply Prof, was an English neurosurgeon. From 1978 to 2004, Watkins served as Safety and Medical Delegate in Formula One. Born and raised in Liverpool, Watkins enrolled at the University of Liverpool where he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1952. He then 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 is credited with helping save the lives of many drivers, including: Gerhard Berger, Martin Donnelly, Érik Comas, Rubens Barrichello, Karl Wendlinger, and Mika Häkkinen. Watkins accepted, and attended his first race at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
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