He was then transferred to the regional trauma centre of the Royal London hospital by helicopter. Late in the night he died from his injuries caused by the collision with the tyre rather than the resulting crash into the barriers.

Both Henry's father John and mother Jane were watching the race in which their son was killed.

Formula Two chief executive Jonathan Palmer said in a statement that his 'thoughts were with the Surtees family'.

Surtees graduated to F2 this season from Formula Renault and had taken his first podium finish in the series with third place in Saturday's race at Brands Hatch.