Remembering John Michael Hawthorn, the first British F1 Champion who was killed in an accident just three months after topping charts
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It is not an unknown fact that Formula 1 is one of more dangerous sports in the world, and only the adrenaline junkies who love the thrill and adventure of racing take part in it. Even though F1 is gaining an international recognition only now, it has a massive history dating back to the 1940s as the first Grand Prix was held in 1946, right after the World War II. And during this time, F1 saw some rare talents who earned the World Championship crown with their brilliant racing skills. One such phenomenal racer was John Michael Hawthorn of Britain.
Hawthorn, born in 1929, went on to win a Formula 1 World Champion at the age of 29, and only months later, he succumbed to death in a lethal car crash. While Britain is the home to seven-time World Champion and living F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, the country has given birth to many other well-known racers before him. And Hawthorn became the doyen of racing in the UK during his era as he brought his country’s first-ever World Championship title. But he could never revel in his glory for long as he died only three months after his victory.
After winning the 1958 F1 Championship, John Michael Hawthorn announced his retirement from the sport. Reports reveal that the death of his teammate and close friend Peter Collins at the 1958 German GP had affected him greatly and it drove him to walk away from racing at only 29. But fate had different things in store for him as he met his end in a horrific car accident only three months later. With this, Hawthorn also became the F1 World Champion with the lowest number of Grand Prix wins as he has only gotten P1 in three races in his career.
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John Michael Hawthorn’s talent had attracted Enzo Ferrari’s attention
John Michael Hawthorn made his Formula 1 debut at the 1952 Grote Prijs van Belgie at Spa-Francorchamps after being appoint by Enzo Ferrari himself who noticed his talent. In his debut season, Hawthorn managed to secure his first podium at the RAC British Grand Prix. Fast forward to 1959, he won the World Championship title with the Scuderia Ferrari and announced his retirement. And on 22 January 1959, he was involved in a car accident on the A3 Guildford bypass.
At the time of the lethal crash, Hawthorn was driving his customised 1958 Jaguar 3.4-litre saloon (now known as the 3.4 Mk 1) VDU 881 to London. His accident has been documented in various productions, but the medical cause behind his demise remains unknown. Hawthorn was buried in West Street Cemetery in Farnham. His death led to various speculations, but his immensely private family did not release any statement. The accident was confirmed as the cause of death by the Coroner and he was survived by his son Arnaud Michael Delauney.
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