Jeremy Clarkson's co-hosts have taken to Twitter to comment on the Top Gear star's sacking, calling it a "tragedy".
Clarkson faces arrest after the BBC sacked him for punching a Top Gear producer in the face with such force he had to go to A&E.
BBC Director General Lord Hall said Top Gear would continue without Clarkson.
He said: "It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. For me a line has been crossed".
Read more: Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson sacked, now faces arrest over 'fracas'
After the news, Clarkson changed his Twitter bio to read: "I used to be a presenter on the BBC2 motoring show, Top Gear.
His co-stars, James May and Richard Hammond, also addressed the news on Twitter.
May called the decision a "tragedy" and said he, Clarkson and Richard Hammond "come as a package", suggesting all three are now likely to leave the BBC.
He hinted that his future with Top Gear may be over after changing his Twitter biography to describe himself as a "former TV presenter".
The sacking is likely to spark a bidding war for Clarkson's services, with ITV, Sky and Netflix all said to be willing to pay Clarkson millions to present a motoring show for them.
- nzherald.co.nz