John Surtees remains the only individual in the history of professional racing to secure world championship titles on both two and four wheels. Born in 1934 in Tatsfield, he transitioned from a successful motorcycle career to achieve victory in the 1964 Formula One World Drivers' Championship while driving for the Italian team Scuderia Ferrari.
Dominance on Motorcycles
Starting as an apprentice at the Vincent factory, Surtees established his reputation on motorcycles during the 1950s. He gained early notice by challenging established riders like Geoff Duke. His tenure with the MV Agusta factory team proved highly successful, resulting in seven Grand Prix world championships. Between 1958 and 1960, he demonstrated technical superiority by winning 32 of 39 races, including three consecutive Senior TT victories at the Isle of Man.
Transition to Formula One
In 1960, at age 26, Surtees shifted his focus to auto racing full-time. He made his Formula One debut for Team Lotus at the BRDC International Trophy at Silverstone. His adaptability was immediate, securing a second-place finish in his second championship race at the British Grand Prix and a pole position at the Portuguese Grand Prix in his third attempt. He drove for various outfits, including Yeoman Credit Racing and Bowmaker Racing, before joining Ferrari.
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The 1964 season marked his peak in open-wheel racing when he captured the World Drivers' Championship. However, his time at Ferrari ended abruptly in 1966 following internal disputes regarding participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Surtees had previously survived a major accident at Mosport Park in 1965, sustaining severe injuries that required significant medical intervention. Despite these setbacks, he continued his involvement in the sport through his own construction firm and as an ambassador.
Professional Legacy
Surtees maintained a multifaceted career, working as a merchant, sporting director, and constructor for the Surtees Racing Organisation, which competed in Formula One, Formula 2, and Formula 5000 between 1970 and 1978. In his later years, he served as an ambassador for the Racing Steps Foundation. His contributions to motorsport were recognized through multiple honors, including appointments as an OBE, CBE, and the Segrave Trophy.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Tatsfield
- Died: 2017, St George's Hospital
- Formula One World Champion: 1964
- Motorcycle Grand Prix World Champion: Seven titles
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 1959
- MotoGP Legend: 2003
- Appointed MBE: 1961
- Appointed CBE: 2015
Questions readers ask
Was John Surtees the only person to win world titles on two and four wheels?
Yes, he is the only driver to win World Championships in both Grand Prix motorcycle racing and Formula One.
How many Formula One races did John Surtees win?
He won six Formula One Grands Prix during his career.
What was the reason for his departure from Ferrari?
He left the team in 1966 following a dispute with team manager Eugenio Dragoni over his participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Achievements
- International Motorsports Hall of Fame
- Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
- Member of the Order of the British Empire
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
