The Auto Cycle Union is deeply saddened by the news that motorsport legend John Surtees CBE passed away aged 83 on Friday afternoon (14th March) at St George’s Hospital in London.
John Surtees made history as the only man to win world championships on two wheels and four. Winning four 500cc motorcycling titles - in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960 - and the F1 crown with Ferrari in 1964.
Surtees was awarded an MBE in 1959, the same year he won the Sports Personality of the Year award, the OBE in 2009 and the CBE in 2016.
In recent years he established the Henry Surtees Foundation in memory of his late son, Henry. He also bought Buckmore Park Kart Circuit in Kent and remained a stalwart support of UK motorsport throughout his life.
Surtees remained involved in motor racing into his eighties, competing in classic car and bike events up until last year.
We send our condolences to John’s wife, Jane, and to his daughters, Leonora and Edwina