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Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1

The Formula 1 community has been mourning the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Italian Grand Prix in Monza will go through as multiple teams and F1 drivers from across the grid have paid tribute in their own way. Formula One, during the free practice sessions and qualifying on Saturday, held a minute's silence on the grid as a tribute to Her Majesty. F1 today announced that they will be doing the same on Sunday before the main race at 13:44 BST.


Similarly, McLaren, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, Williams and Alpha Tauri have taken an extra step as their cars will have special markings this weekend, as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The car liveries will see stickers bearing the royal cypher "EIIR" which stands for Elizabeth II Regina.


F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali posted a statement addressing Queen Elizabeth II’s death. “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”, he said.


The UK-based Mercedes-Petronas team has also decided to change their car numbers to black as a sign of mourning. Both of their British drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, took to their own social media accounts to pay tribute. The seven-time champion talked about how he will never forget his interactions with the Queen.


“It is something I’ll never forget. We talked about our shared love of dogs and she was incredibly generous with her time. 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", wrote  Hamilton.