John Surtees became the only person to win World Championships on both two wheels and four wheels, claiming the 1964 F1 Drivers' title with Ferrari.
Key Facts
- Season number
- 18th FIA Formula One season
- Championship races
- 10 races
- Season span
- 10 May – 25 October 1964
- Drivers' Champion
- John Surtees (Scuderia Ferrari)
- Manufacturers' Cup winner
- Ferrari (2nd title, last until 1975)
- Driver fatality
- Carel Godin de Beaufort, German GP practice crash
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
The FIA Formula One World Championship entered its 18th season in 1964, with Scuderia Ferrari fielding a competitive car driven by John Surtees. After 15 seasons, veteran Maurice Trintignant announced his retirement, having been the last active driver from the inaugural 1950 championship season.
Ten World Championship rounds were held between May and October 1964. John Surtees clinched the Drivers' Championship for Ferrari, who simultaneously won the International Cup for F1 Manufacturers. Dutch driver Carel Godin de Beaufort sustained fatal injuries during practice for the German Grand Prix.
Surtees became the sole world champion across both motorcycle and Formula One categories. Ferrari secured their second manufacturers' title, a distinction they would not repeat until 1975. Beaufort's death highlighted ongoing safety concerns in motor racing, and Trintignant's retirement closed the last direct link to the 1950 championship field.