I’ll never forget the 20 minutes he gave me in the Goodwood paddock several years ago, reminiscing about the first race I ever went to, and the first race he won for the Scuderia: the 1963 12 Hours of Sebring.
His dual world championships will probably never be duplicated.
You are correct, today it is specialization, drivers do not race much outside their chosen discipline.
I marvel at someone like Mario Andretti who had success in everything from midgets to Formula 1. Surtees went from world championships in motorcycles to one in Formula 1. Racing yes, but entirely different. It is simply amazing.
May he Rest In Peace.
Mike Hailwood and Surtees were heroes of mine. Currently, both Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi have the talent, connections and star power to have a go at a “double” a la Surtees. Whether their steely nerves and race wisdom will carry them far enough or even translate to 4-wheels, is always the issue.