A former Royal Australian Air Force mechanic, Brabham’s motorsport career started on Australian speedway dirt tracks in the late 1940s before he headed to the United Kingdom and joined the Cooper Racing Team, with which he won the 1959 and 1960 Formula One championships.

But it was his own Brabham racing cars – designed and engineered with friend and fellow Australian Ron Tauranac – that led to him winning the 1966 championship.

Brabham is the only person to have won the F1 world championship in his own car.

He was born John Arthur Brabham on April 2, 1926 but was known as Jack and later picked up the nickname Black Jack.

Brabham is survived by his second wife, Lady Margaret, and sons to his first wife Betty - Geoff, Gary and David, each of whom has enjoyed success in motorsport.

Two of Brabham’s grandsons are also forging careers in motorsport.

Geoff’s son Matthew is currently competing in the Indy Lights race in the United States and won his first race month earlier this month.

David’s son Sam is competing in the Formula Ford championship in Britain.