He started racing in motorcycling in 1952, won his first race in 1956, as well as winning the 500cc Motorcycle Championship in 1956, as well as 1958, 1959 and 1960. Surtees moved on to Formula One in 1960, earning his first podium position by placing second in the British Grand Prix, and earning pole position in the Portuguese Grand Prix. He joined Ferrari in 1963, placing fourth in the championship. Surtees won the Drivers' Championship in 1964 by one point. He stayed with Ferrari in 1965 but left midway through 1966, joining Cooper and eventually placing second in the Drivers' Championship. After that, Surtees joined Honda Racing (not to be confused with the Honda Racing team that ran from 2006-2008). 