Aston Martin F1 team rocked by tragic death of ‘true stalwart’ team member after spending 35 years in paddock

SportMotorsport ASTON MARTIN have been rocked by the tragic death of a veteran team member who spent 35 years in the Formula One paddock. The team paid a special tribute to tyre technician Mick Fern, affectionately known as “Biscuit”, at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Aston Martin paid tribute to team member Mick Fern after he tragically passed away Credit: X / AstonMartinF1 Fern missed the Hungarian GP before his sad death, which has left the F1 community in mourning Credit: Alamy They had revealed Mick was fighting his own battle off track and that the whole team was behind him in support. But in sad news announced on Wednesday, the team said Mick had passed away. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! A heartfelt post on social media described him as a “true stalwart” who was “respected by all who worked with him”. It said: “The thoughts of the entire team and F1 community are with the family and friends of our team-mate, Mick Fern, affectionately known to so many of us as Biscuit, who passed away peacefully today. “Biscuit was a true stalwart who showed loyalty and support to all those around him. “He welcomed everyone with open arms and made our travelling world feel more like home. “Biscuit spent 35 years in the paddock and he was respected by all who worked with him. “We are all so grateful for our time together and will dearly miss his warmth and humour.” Most read in Sport Mick had been with the Silverstone-based team since their days as Force India, who had first entered the sport in 2008 before eventually entering into administration a decade later, and even Jordan before then. The post prompted an outpouring of emotion from the F1 community. Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes said: “I am so so sorry for your loss, his family’s loss, for the paddock’s loss, and everyone who knew him. Such a wonderful character who always made me smile. Give Jim a big hug and sending all of you my love. RIP Biscuit.” The Alpine F1 team said: “A loss for the whole Formula One community. Thoughts are with you and Biscuit’s family.” F1 TV presenter and motorsport engineer Ruth Buscombe said: “A truly wonderful human I’m proud to have called my friend along with so many others in our Paddock.” Aston Martin team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa added: “Biscuit, you will always be with us, a legend, a hero, an example for all. Big hug to all the family and friends. RIP.” F1 2026 RACE CALENDAR: ALL THE INFO YOU NEED Comment now