Formula One teams pay tribute to the Queen by adding special touches to cars

Formula One teams have paid tribute to the Queen by adding special touches to their cars for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. 

On Thursday evening, it was announced by Buckingham Palace that the Queen passed away aged 96. 

The statement read: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” 

Since the news broke, football leagues across the UK announced that this weekend’s fixtures were to be postponed. 

The F1, held in Monza in Italy continued and the teams up and down the paddock have added special touches to their liveries to pay tribute to the Queen. 

RedBull added ERII and 1926-2022 to their cars. Whilst Mercedes changed their number stickers to black as a mark of respect. 

Ahead of Friday’s free practice sessions, every team participated in a minute if silence to reflect on the Queen’s life. 

Prior to Sunday’s race, another minute of silence will be held. 

Teams and drivers have been paying their own respect to the Queen. 

All the teams also took part in a minute's silence ahead of the start of the race.

Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton said on Instagram: "How do you find the words to describe the loss of Her Majesty The Queen?

"She was truly an iconic leader, an inspiration and a reassuring presence for most, if not all, of our lives.

"Since the sad news yesterday [Thursday], I've been reflecting on her incredible life. She was a symbol of hope for so many and she served her country with dignity, dedication and kindness.

"She was truly like no other and I'm grateful to have lived during her time. Her legacy will be long-lasting and her passing deeply felt.

"I had the incredible honour of being able to spend time with her. It is something I'll never forget.

"We talked about our shared love of dogs and she was incredibly generous with her time.

"I know the whole nation and many others around the world will be mourning her loss and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those close to her, who have lost a loved one. Rest in Peace." 

F1 president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali said in a statement: "Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"For more than seven decades she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world.

"Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."