Tags: Formula One Racer, Motorsport Racer, Racing Driver.
John Michael Hawthorn (10 April 1929 – 22 January 1959) was a British racing driver. Born in Mexborough West Riding of Yorkshire England and educated at Ardingly College West Sussex he made his racing debut in 1950. Hawthorn became the UK’s first Formula One World Champion driver when he won the Formula One Championship in 1958 and immediately announced his retirement having been profoundly affected by the death of his team-mate and friend Peter Collins in the German Grand Prix.
