Former Formula 1 and motorcycling world champion John Surtees died at the age of 83 in London on Friday. The 1964 F1 Champion was in hospital since February with a respiratory condition and after a short period in intensive care, died peacefully at the St George’s Hospital in the British capital.

Surtees was a motor sport legend and was the only man to have won the Grand Prix championship on both two wheels and four. Surtees won four 500 cc motorcycling titles in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960 with the MV Agusta team. He also was a two-time world champion in the 350 cc category as well as bagging the title in 1958 and 1959.

He then turned his interest towards the four wheelers and made his debut with the Lotus F1 team. Surtees won the F1 crown with Ferrari in 1964. He won six F1 races in 111 starts between 1960 and 1972, and also drove for Honda, Cooper, Lola and BRM.

Surtees later set up his own F1 team and was behind the wheel when it made its debut at the British Grand Prix in 1970. Team Surtees managed two podium finishes but never won a race before folding in 1978.

Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker said, “It’s an absolute hammer blow for me and for British motorsport in general. I have been privileged to commentate on him and to know him as a friend and he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest people who’s ever lived in the history of motorsport.”

British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton said, “I just heard about John Surtees. To end the day with that kind of news is very sad. He was a legend of the sport – a lovely guy who did so much. It’s a shock to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”