Tributes to ‘Il Grande John'

John Surtees, the only man in history to win world championships on both two wheels and four, passed away last week. He was 83.

- Damien Smith

The 1964 Formula 1 world champion had been admitted to St George’s Hospital in London in February suffering from an existing respiratory condition, but last Friday his family confirmed that he had “passed away peacefully” is a statement.

The statement from the family continued: “John was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. He was also one of the true greats of motorsport and continued to work tirelessly up until recently with The Henry Surtees Foundation and Buck more Park Kart Circuit [which he bought in 2015].

“We deeply mourn the loss of such an incredible, kind and loving man as well as celebrate his amazing life.

“He has set a very real example of someone who kept pushing himself at his peak and one who continued fighting until the very end.

“We would like to thank all the staff at St George’s Hospital and the East Surrey Hospital for their professionalism and support during this difficult time.

“Thank you also to all those who have sent their kind messages in recent weeks.”

Surtees contested a total of 111 F1 grands prix across a 12 year career, winning six times and taking the 1964 title for the factory Ferrari team. After his retirement from racing in 1972, Surtees remained active in the sport up until his death.

He helped his son, Henry, graduate through the UK junior formulae up until his tragic death in an FIA Formula 2 Championship race at Brands Hatch in 2009.

Following that Surtees established The Henry Surtees Foundation in his son’s memory, which raised thousands of pounds to aid the recovery and rehabilitation of people suffering from head injuries as well as support for air ambulance services. Surtees was also an ambassador for the Racing Steps Foundation driver funding scheme, which has supported many young British talents climbing both the single-seater and sportscar career ladders.