25 October in Ferrari History: John Surtees Wins the World Title

25 October marks one of Ferrari’s great championship anniversaries. On this date in 1964, John Surtees secured the Formula 1 world title at the Mexican Grand Prix, adding a four-wheel championship to his earlier motorcycle world titles.

1964: Second place delivers the title for John Surtees

The championship remained unsettled until the closing stages in Mexico. Jim Clark’s mechanical trouble changed the outcome, while Lorenzo Bandini allowed Ferrari team-mate John Surtees through into second place.

Dan Gurney won the race, but the runner-up position gave John Surtees the points he needed to become world champion. Lorenzo Bandini finished third, completing a double podium for Ferrari.

The distinction matters when remembering this anniversary: John Surtees won the championship in Mexico, rather than the Grand Prix itself. His achievement connected success at the highest level of motorcycle racing with Formula 1’s leading prize.

1970: Jacky Ickx leads a Ferrari one-two in Mexico

Six years later, on 25 October 1970, Jacky Ickx won the Mexican Grand Prix ahead of Clay Regazzoni. Ferrari therefore associates this date with both a title-clinching podium and a subsequent one-two finish at the same event.

Explore the wider racing record through our Formula 1 statistics and historical results.

Ferrari results and milestones on 25 October

Visit the Ferrari on this day calendar for more championship anniversaries and historic victories.