Racing
© Jonathan Borba
Aston Martin announced on Wednesday that veteran tyre technician Mick Fern, affectionately known throughout Formula 1 as “Biscuit,” has died after 35 years in the paddock.
In a statement posted on its social media channels, the team said Fern “passed away peacefully today” and added: “The thoughts of the entire team and F1 community are with the family and friends of our teammate, Mick Fern, affectionately known to so many of us as Biscuit.”
The news came days after Fern’s absence had already been felt across the Hungarian Grand Prix paddock. Aston Martin placed signs reading “Biscuit. Thinking of you” outside its garage, in front of the car on the pre-race grid and in the paddock, where figures from across Formula 1 gathered for a picture of support.
Fern had been a long-serving presence through several eras of the Silverstone-based team. Aston Martin said he spent 35 years in the paddock and had worked with the operation in various roles since 1999, spanning its Jordan, Force India and Aston Martin identities. The summaries also state he first joined the team in 2008 when it was Force India and most recently rejoined in 2015.
Aston Martin described him as “a true stalwart who showed loyalty and support to all those around him.” The team added that he “welcomed everyone with open arms and made our travelling world feel more like home,” and said: “We are all so grateful for our time together and will dearly miss his warmth and humour.”
The team also said Fern was respected throughout the paddock, a standing reflected in the response to his death. Among those to pay tribute was Aston Martin team ambassador Pedro de la Rosa, who wrote: “Biscuit, you will be with us forever. You are a legend, a hero and an example to us all. A big hug to all friends and family. RIP.”