The only driver to win world titles with motorcycles and cars – John Surtees – has died at the age of 83. The 1964 Formula 1 world champion passed away this afternoon. He was in a hospital with a respiratory condition since February.
The Surtees’ family issued the following statement:
“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.”
“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.”
The family thanked St George’s Hospital and The East Surrey Hospital’s staff for their support and professionalism. Wife Jane and daughters Leonora and Edwina were with John Surtees when he passed away. John had a son – Henry, who in a car crash during a Formula 2 race in 2009.
RIP John Surtees. pic.twitter.com/8UIRA1Z1wF
— Grand Prix Diary (@GrandPrixDiary) 10 March 2017
Our thoughts go out to the family of John Surtees – 1934-2017. A true racing legend and 1964 #F1 World Champion. pic.twitter.com/RPDfPgX1NA
— Honda Racing F1 (@HondaRacingF1) 10 March 2017
We are so sad to hear of the passing of John Surtees. He was such a gentleman and a true legend. Our thoughts are with his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/XKRXtEq7Fe
— WILLIAMS RACING (@WilliamsRacing) 10 March 2017
John Surtees, Motorsport legend and 1964 World Champion with Ferrari, passed away. Our thoughts are with his family pic.twitter.com/dVzAHSGo2A
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) 10 March 2017
Very sorry to hear that John Surtees, the only person to win both #MotoGP & #F1 World Championships, has passed away at the age of 83. pic.twitter.com/HAPdqB6OxJ
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) 10 March 2017
