Motor racing legend John Surtees dies aged 83

Motor racing legend John Surtees CBE has died aged 83. Surtees was admitted to St Georges Hospital, London in February with an existing respiratory condition. After a short period in intensive care he passed away peacefully. His wife, Jane and daughters, Leonora and Edwina were by his side. 

A statement from the Surtees family said, ‘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.'

Surtees won the 1964 Formula One world championship driving for Ferrari aged 30, but before that he was a hugely successful motorbike racer. 

• John Surtees: hero on two wheels and four