Mark Webber says he will never forget the late Ron Walker as identities from across the motoring world pay tribute to the "titan" of Australian motorsport.
The man who brought Formula One to Melbourne and then chaired the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for two decades, died on Tuesday aged 78.
A close ally of former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Walker also influenced the sport globally as the founding chairman of the sport's promoters' association.
"Today we lost an incredible man," nine-time Grand Prix winner Webber tweeted.
"20 years ago he took me under his wing both privately and professionally.
"I'll never forget you matey. Rest easy."
Formula One management said Walker was a huge supporter of the sport for many decades while constructor McLaren labelled him a "titan".
"Ron was ambitious in his vision, generous with his time, and always passionate about improving the sport and his beloved Melbourne," McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown said.
Le Mans winner and son of F1 champion Jack, David Brabham tweeted: "Without his drive and vision, Melbourne would not be what it is today."
The one-time mayor of Melbourne had a long history in sports administration, leading his city's bids for the 1996 Olympics and 2006 Commonwealth Games and sitting on the Football Federation board.
But his biggest sporting achievement was wresting the grand prix from Adelaide in 1993 and establishing it as the much-admired season opener.
The president of Australia's motorsport governing body labelled Walker a "true visionary".
"For those of us who had the pleasure to meet him, we won't forget the lasting impression he left on us," Confederation of Australian Motor Sport president Andrew Papadopoulos said.
John Harnden was Walker's long-time deputy at the AGPC and succeeded him in 2015.
"He has had a profound impact on the world of motorsport both nationally and internationally and he will be missed by many," Harnden said.
"He will always be Mr Grand Prix."
