Mike Hawthorn

John Michael Hawthorn

["Formula One Driver", "World Champion 1958", "24 Hours of Le Mans Winner"]

Born Apr 10, 1929

Mexborough (Yorkshire), United Kingdom

Passed Away Jan 22, 1959 A3 Guildford Bypass (Surrey), United Kingdom

Lifespan 29 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Motor racing is a dangerous romance; when you love it, you give it everything, but you must know when to walk away."

Archival Overview

First British Formula One World Champion (1958) and 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, famed for racing in his trademark bow tie and flat cap, who tragically died in a road crash months after retiring.

Biographical Record

Mike Hawthorn (1929–1959) made his F1 debut in 1952, quickly recruited by Enzo Ferrari. In 1953, he defeated Juan Manuel Fangio at the French Grand Prix at Reims by one second in one of the closest wheel-to-wheel duels in Grand Prix history, dubbed the 'Race of the Century'.

Driving the Ferrari Dino 246 in 1958, Hawthorn engaged in a chivalrous championship battle with Vanwall's Stirling Moss, clinching the 1958 World Championship by one point. Devastated by the racing death of his teammate Peter Collins, Hawthorn retired immediately, only to perish in a road accident near Guildford.

Key Life Milestones

1953

The Race of the Century at Reims

Defeated the great Juan Manuel Fangio by one-tenth of a second at the French Grand Prix.

1958

First British Formula One World Championship

Became the first driver from the United Kingdom to win the Formula One World Drivers' Championship.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

West Street Cemetery
Farnham (Surrey), United Kingdom

                         GPS: 51.2133, -0.8094                    

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