TheMotorsportArchive.com is saddened to learn of the death of David Robertson Snr this week following a long illness.
A canny driver manager, Robertson Snr is credited with discovering numerous young driving talents, including World Champions Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen, helping to propel both to Formula One with Williams and Sauber respectively.
Although Button eventually switched management teams, Robertson Sr and son continued to play management roles with Raikkonen, guiding the Finn through his formative years.
Robertson Snr was also key in helping to set up Raikkonen-Robertson Racing (later Double R Racing) with his son Steve and Raikkonen in 2004 to run in the British F3 Championship, with the elder Robertson becoming a well respected member of the F3 paddock for many years.
Raikkonen-Robertson would eventually win British F3 in 2006 with Mike Conway; however by 2010, the company had transferred ownership its then team manager Boyo Hieatt.
The team would also join the Formula BMW Europe ranks, but withdrew from the category following the conclusion of the 2009 season.
Commenting on the Double R website on Thursday, Hieatt said: “What an incredible inspiration Dave Snr was to work with. We first met in 1988, he was more than a work colleague though – we had many, many great times all around the world, whether in Europe, America or Asia. Building Räikkönen-Robertson Racing together in 2004 really was a special time.
“It’s such a sad loss, he fought his illness with unbelievable tenacity. David is going to be very sadly missed by a huge number of people and we pray Maggie and the rest of the family will be blessed with the strength they need at this tragic time.”
David Robertson Snr passed away this week at the age of 70.
