Posted on March 10, 2017.
We are very sad to record the death of John Surtees at the age of 83, one of the greatest of the Ferrari World Champions in Formula 1 and a formidable sports-car driver as well.
He was unique in that he was World Champion both on two wheels as well as four. He won the 500cc motorcycle world titles in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960. He then won the F1 title in 1964 for Ferrari, before moving to Cooper and Honda before eventually starting his own team.
In later years he was a tireless champion of the Henry Surtees Foundation which he created in memory of his son Henry who was killed in a racing accident at Brands Hatch in 2009.
Our deepest condolences go to all his family, to his wife Jane and his daughters, and to his countless admirers throughout the world. He was truly one of the Ferrari greats.
A statement from the Surtees family has been posted on his website:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our husband and father, John Surtees CBE.
“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 Buckmore Park Kart Circuit.
“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 for us. Thank you also to all of those who have sent their kind messages in recent weeks.”
