John Surtees was a British motorsport icon, renowned for being the only person to win World Championships on both two and four wheels. Born on February 11, 1934, in Tatsfield, Surrey, England, his racing career began on motorcycles where he showed immense talent early on. Surtees won seven motorcycle world championships riding for MV Agusta between 1956 and 1960, demonstrating his prowess on two wheels. His transition to four wheels was equally impressive; in 1964, he went on to win the Formula One World Championship driving for Ferrari. This unique achievement of winning world championships in both motorcycle and Formula One racing cements his legacy in the motorsport world.
After his retirement from competitive racing in 1972, Surtees remained actively involved in the sport, contributing as a team manager and later on establishing his own racing team, Team Surtees. Despite facing challenges in running the team, his passion for motorsport and dedication to nurturing young talent was evident. His later years were marked by personal tragedy when his son, Henry Surtees, a promising young racer, died in a racing accident in 2009. This devastating loss led Surtees to establish the Henry Surtees Foundation, aiming to support accident care and assist young people with brain or physical injuries in their recovery and education.
Surtees was honored with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for his services to motorsport, a testament to his contribution and impact on the sport. He continued to be involved in various charity works and motorsport-related activities until his death on March 10, 2017. John Surtees' legacy is not only that of a champion on the track but also of a gentleman and a philanthropist off it. His unparalleled achievements in motorsport and his contributions to society through his charitable works have left an indelible mark on the world.
