GRAND PRIX RACING DRIVER MIKE HAWTHORN ON HIS WAY TO RACE AT MONZA: 1954: ORIGINAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPH

DATE: JUNE 25TH 1954

DETAILS: A scarce portrait of the young racing driver Mike Hawthorn. 

PUBLISHER: P A REUTER

SIZE: 20.4cm x 15.2cm including margins

CONDITION: IN NEAR FINE, CLEAN CONDITION. 

LOCATION: MAP DRAWER C: FOLDER 3008: 3008A

Mike Hawthorn was a British racing driver who became the first British driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship. His career was marked by a combination of natural talent, a fearless approach to racing, and a charismatic personality. Despite his relatively short life, Hawthorn left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport.

Early Life and Background:

• Full Name: John Michael Hawthorn
• Date of Birth: April 10, 1929
• Place of Birth: Mexborough, Yorkshire, England
• Date of Death: January 22, 1959

Mike Hawthorn was born into a family with a strong connection to the automotive world. His father, Leslie Hawthorn, owned the Tourist Trophy Garage in Farnham, Surrey, which specialized in tuning and selling cars. Growing up in this environment, Mike developed a passion for cars and motorsport from an early age.

Early Career:

Hawthorn began his racing career in the early 1950s, initially competing in motorcycle races before moving to car racing. His first significant success came in 1952, when he won the Formula 2 race at Goodwood, driving a Cooper-Bristol. His performance caught the attention of Ferrari, who offered him a drive in their Formula 1 team.

Formula 1 Career:

• Debut: 1952 Belgian Grand Prix (with Cooper-Bristol, before joining Ferrari)
• Teams: Ferrari, Vanwall, BRM
• Wins: 3
• Podiums: 18
• Poles: 4
• Races: 45 (World Championship races)

Ferrari Years (1953–1958):

Hawthorn's association with Ferrari began in 1953 and would define his career. He quickly established himself as a talented driver, finishing fourth in the championship in his first full season. His first Formula 1 win came at the 1953 French Grand Prix at Reims, where he engaged in a legendary battle with Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the greatest drivers of all time.

Hawthorn's style was characterized by a smooth yet aggressive driving technique. He was known for his distinctive green racing helmet and bow tie, which became his trademarks.

1958 World Championship:

The pinnacle of Hawthorn's career came in 1958 when he won the Formula 1 World Championship, becoming the first British driver to do so. The 1958 season was fiercely competitive, and Hawthorn's consistency, along with his ability to score points regularly, proved crucial. He secured only one victory that year, at the French Grand Prix, but his seven second-place finishes and a string of podiums allowed him to accumulate enough points to clinch the title.

The 1958 championship battle was particularly intense and personal, as it was fought between Hawthorn and his close friend and compatriot, Stirling Moss. Although Moss won four races to Hawthorn's one, Hawthorn's consistency saw him win the title by a single point.

Controversies:

The 1958 season was not without controversy. At the Portuguese Grand Prix, Hawthorn was initially disqualified for reversing on the track after a spin. Stirling Moss, who had won the race, intervened on Hawthorn's behalf, arguing that he had done nothing wrong. As a result, Hawthorn's second-place finish was reinstated, which ultimately played a crucial role in his championship victory. Moss's sportsmanship is often cited as one of the most honourable acts in Formula 1 history.

Retirement and Death:

After winning the championship, Hawthorn shocked the racing world by announcing his retirement from Formula 1 at the age of 29. He cited the recent death of his close friend and Ferrari teammate, Peter Collins, as a key factor in his decision, along with a desire to avoid further personal risk.

Tragically, just a few months after retiring, Mike Hawthorn died in a road accident on January 22, 1959, near Guildford, Surrey. He was driving his highly-tuned Jaguar 3.4-litre saloon, known as the "JWK 651," when he lost control and crashed into a tree. The exact cause of the accident remains a matter of speculation, with some suggesting that a medical condition may have played a role.

Legacy:

Mike Hawthorn is remembered as one of the most charismatic and talented drivers of his era. His 1958 World Championship was a significant milestone in British motorsport history, and he paved the way for future British champions like Graham Hill, Jim Clark, and Lewis Hamilton.

Hawthorn's legacy is also marked by his off-track personality. He was known for his charm, style, and love of life, which made him a popular figure both in and out of the racing community. Despite his untimely death, his impact on Formula 1 and British motorsport remains enduring, and he is celebrated as one of the sport's early legends.

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