Mike Hawthorn

Mike Hawthorn was Britain's first Formula 1 World Champion, a dashing, bow-tie-wearing racer who brought the title home in 1958. Born in Mexborough on 10 April 1929, he became a national sporting hero at a time when British drivers were beginning to dominate the grand prix scene, and he remains a pivotal figure in the country's racing story.

Hawthorn won the 1958 championship by a single point from his great rival Stirling Moss, despite winning only one grand prix that year to Moss's four, a triumph built on remarkable consistency, with the title settled at the final round in Morocco. Over his career he took 3 wins, 18 podiums, 4 pole positions and 128 points from 48 starts, driving mainly for Ferrari but also for Maserati, Vanwall, BRM and Cooper. His maiden victory, the 1953 French Grand Prix at Reims, came after a thrilling wheel-to-wheel duel with Fangio.

He retired immediately after winning the title, and was killed in a road accident in Surrey in January 1959, only months later, at the age of 29. His championship had already secured his place in history.

Hawthorn combined raw speed with a racer's cool head, capable of standing toe to toe with Fangio and Moss on his day yet calculating enough to win a championship on points. With his trademark bow tie and cap, he became the image of the gentleman racer, and as the man who broke Britain's championship duck he opened the door for the wave of British champions who followed.