Cooper, Ferrari, BRM · United Kingdom

Mike Hawthorn

1 world title, 3 wins in 45 starts. Years active: 1952–1958.

title: 1
wins: 3
poles: 4
podiums: 18
starts: 45

Born: 10 April 1929
Birthplace: Mexborough
Lifespan: 1929–1959

History

Cooper, Ferrari, BRM · United Kingdom

Mike Hawthorn

1 world title, 3 wins in 45 starts. Years active: 1952–1958.

Born: 10 April 1929
Birthplace: Mexborough
Lifespan: 1929–1959

Biography

First win

Mike Hawthorn made his debut in 1952 with Cooper and moved to Ferrari a year later. He took his first win at the 1953 French Grand Prix at Reims, beating Juan Manuel Fangio to the line by about a second after a long duel.

Britain’s first champion

In 1958, with Ferrari, Hawthorn won just one race — in France again — but finished second five times and became World Champion, one point ahead of Stirling Moss. He was the first Briton to win the title, and he retired straight after that season. On 22 January 1959 Hawthorn was killed in a road accident.

Born: 10 April 1929, Mexborough, United Kingdom
Debut: Belgian Grand Prix, 22 June 1952, Cooper
First win: French Grand Prix, 5 July 1953, Ferrari
World Champion: 1958
Last race: Moroccan Grand Prix, 19 October 1958, Ferrari
Career: 45 starts, 3 wins, 4 poles
Died: 22 January 1959