F1'S GREATEST DRIVERS - AUTOSPORT persuaded 217 world championship Formula 1 heroes to vote for the all-time greates driver

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JOHN SURTEES

GREAT BRITAIN

John Surtees

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Already a multiple world champion on two wheels by the time he made his Formula 1 debut in 1960 in a Lotus, Surtees made an immediate impact. A podium finish in his second race and pole at his third, his services were soon courted by Ferrari.

His world title in 1964 was a just reward for his efforts, but major injuries sustained in a Can-Am crash a year later threatened to end his career.

His determination to do things his own way probably hastened his amazing recovery, but it also caused rows over technical and management issues at Ferrari and proved instrumental in his decision to quit the team midway through '66.

Further wins came with Cooper and Honda, but not in three years with his own team as 'his way' did not prove to be the way.

John Surtees

YOUR SAY

Should John Surtees be higher or lower in F1's greatest drivers?

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STATISTICS

Born11 Feb 1934
Died10 Mar 2017
Active years1960 - 1972
Champion1964
Presences113
Starts111
Wins6
Podiums24
Poles8
Front row21
Fastest laps10
Races led17

More stats on FORIX