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Former F1 and motorcycling world champion John Surtees dies aged 83

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Our tribute to John Surtees, the only man to have won World Championships on two wheels and four, who sadly passed away on Friday at the age of 83

John Surtees, the only man to win world titles on both two and four wheels, has died aged 83.

The Briton won the F1 title in 1964 for Ferrari to add to his 500cc motorcycle world titles from 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960 and three championships won at 350cc - in 1958, 1959 and 1960.

His family announced the news in a statement issued on the Henry Surtees Foundation Facebook page.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our husband and father, John Surtees CBE," the statement read.

John Surtees speaking to Sebastian Vettel at Silverstone in 2014
Image: John Surtees speaking to Sebastian Vettel at Silverstone in 2014

"John, ‪83, was admitted to St Georges Hospital, London in February with an existing respiratory condition and after a short period in intensive care he passed away peacefully this afternoon. His wife, Jane and daughters, Leonora and Edwina were by his side.

"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.

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John Surtees, World Champion racing motorcyclist at the wheel of a Team Lotus car as he sped around the Silverstone circuit during practice for the 13th RA
Image: John Surtees at the wheel of a Team Lotus car at Silverstone

"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.

"Funeral details will be announced in due course."

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Daniel Ricciardo is among those who have paid tribute to Surtees

During a motorcycle career which saw him race for Norton and MV Augusta, he also became the first man to win the Senior TT on the Isle of Man three years in succession.

He started over 100 F1 grands prix, winning six, in a career which took him to Ferrari, Cooper and Honda, as well as starting a team which bore his name.

Brilliant youngster John Surtees streaks round Brands Hatch on his way to victory over World Motor Cycle champion Geoff Duke. Surtees, riding a Norton, tri
Image: John Surtees streaks round Brands Hatch on his way to victory over World Motorcycle champion Geoff Duke

In 2009 his son Henry was killed while competing in a Formula Two race at Brands Hatch, aged 18, when he was struck on the head by a wheel which had become detached from another car.

The Henry Surtees Award was launched in his memory by the family in 2010 to be awarded annually for the most outstanding performance by a rising motor racer.

John Surtees was awarded the CBE in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to motorsport.

F1 tributes to John Surtees

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