John Surtees - Il grande John

©Cahier

Surtees made his F1 debut at Monaco in 1960 with Lotus. He was 26 and lost no time displaying his world class. He finished second in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and in his third race he took pole position around the challenging cobblestone streets of Oporto, in Portugal, leading the race before his retirement!

 

©Cahier

Early on, Surtees'  talent was in the line of sight of the House of Maranello. But he turned down Ferrari's offer in 1962, feeling he wasn't ready. When the Commendatore came calling again a year later however, Surtees accepted to join the Scuderia. He established himself as a consistent front runner, winning the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in conquering style with the V6-engined 1.5-litre Ferrari 156.