Ex-Formula 1 racing driver Mark Webber has paid tribute to the late Sir Jack Brabham, describing his fellow Aussie as a "trailblazer" and "grafter".

News of Brabham's death at the age of 88 from liver disease broke this morning and Webber was quick to highlight how much of an inspiration the three-time F1 champion was.

"He is the epitome of a champion racing driver and a true blue Aussie," wrote Webber on his website.

"He was a trailblazer. He took the hardest road and made it easier for the rest of us to follow. When I think of Jack, I think of a tenacious individual, an absolute grafter. He did it his own way and made it stick."

Brabham is the only man in history to have designed, built and driven a title-winning car following his victory in 1966 with the rear-engined BT19.

"There were no real rules or a manual for Jack, he figured it for himself," added Webber. "What he achieved taking on the best in the world and winning one of his three world titles in his own machinery is the stuff of pure legends."

Brabham, who was knighted for his services to motorsport in 1979, won his other world titles in 1959 and 1960.