Professor Sid Watkins has stepped down from his position as president of the FIA Institute, ending his full-time involvement in motorsport.
The 83-year-old neurosurgeon has played a pivotal role in the safety of Formula 1 racing since serving as F1 medical delegate between 1978 and 2004.
Watkins worked closely with former-FIA president Max Mosley and race director Charlie Whiting to improve safety following a spate of accidents and deaths.
The close friend of Ayrton Senna has played a major role in saving the lives of several drivers including Didier Pironi, Rubens Barrichello and Mika Hakkinen.
He was appointed chairman of the FIA Expert Advisory Safety Committee following the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Senna in 1994.
Since then, no driver has died in the sport.
