Motor racing legend John Surtees has died after being admitted to hospital and then intensive care with a pre-existing respiratory problem at the age of 83 his family have announced.
The Brit became famous in the 50’s and 60’s for becoming the first and currently only person to win world titles in F1 and motorcycles.He won the F1 championship in 1964 for Ferrari on top of his 1956,1958,1959 and 1960 500cc motorcycle titles and 350cc championships in 1958, 1959 and 1960.
The Brit became famous in the 50’s and 60’s for becoming the first and currently only person to win world titles in F1 and motorcycles.He won the F1 championship in 1964 for Ferrari on top of his 1956,1958,1959 and 1960 500cc motorcycle titles and 350cc championships in 1958, 1959 and 1960.
In 1959 he completed tests for Aston Martin sportscar and Vanwall GP at Goodwood which encouraged him to take up car racing from then on.
In 2009 Surtees son Henry died in an accident during an F2 race leading to the setting up of the Henry Surtees Foundation which is dedicated to supporting regional air ambulance services.
Throughout the years Surtees was awarded an MBE, OBE and recently a CBE.
I would personally like to express my condolences to the Surtees family and the many other people affected by his passing.