John Surtees

Date of Birth: February 11, 1934

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: March 10, 2017

Biography

John Surtees, born John Norman Surtees, was a legendary British motorsport competitor, renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. Born on February 11, 1934, in Tatsfield, Surrey, England, Surtees achieved the rare feat of excelling in both motorcycle racing and Formula One. His career began in the world of two wheels, where he won seven Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championships between 1956 and 1960. Surtees then transitioned to Formula One, where he continued to display his driving prowess and won the World Championship in 1964 with Ferrari. Surtees’ ability to dominate in both disciplines of racing is unparalleled, making him the only person to have won world titles on both two and four wheels. Beyond his racing achievements, Surtees also ran his own Formula One team, Surtees Racing Organization, from 1970 to 1978. He was deeply involved in motorsport throughout his life, contributing significantly to the sport’s development and safety. Surtees passed away on March 10, 2017, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of racers and motorsport enthusiasts.

5 Interesting Facts about John Surtees

1. John Surtees is the only person to have won World Championships in both motorcycle racing and Formula One.

2. He won seven Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championships between 1956 and 1960.

3. Surtees won the 1964 Formula One World Championship driving for Ferrari.

4. He founded his own Formula One team, Surtees Racing Organization, which competed from 1970 to 1978.

5. In recognition of his contributions to motorsport, Surtees was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Surtees

1. “I used to think my job was to win the World Championship and that winning was the way to achieve it. But I soon realized that winning races is what matters.”

2. “You mustn’t be afraid to take risks. If you don’t take risks, you’ll never achieve anything.”

3. “In life, it’s not just about being good, it’s about being better.”

4. “The world of motorsport is about passion, precision, and perseverance.”

5. “Racing is not just about speed. It’s about control, timing, and the ability to read the race.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by John Surtees was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

John Surtees had three children: Leonora, Edwina, and Henry. Tragically, his son Henry, also a racing driver, died in an accident during a Formula Two race in 2009.