Now driving for the fledgling Vanwall squad alongside Stirling Moss, Brooks was running fifth when he was asked to hand his car over to his team-mate whose own machine had failed.
Ever the gentleman, Brooks did so, before Moss stormed through the field to claim a famous first shared championship win for the marque.
The Cheshire-native would show his sports car credentials that season also by claiming the Nürburgring 1000Kms and RAC Tourist Trophy at Goodwood.
In 1958 Brooks would truly prove his F1 pedigree with wins at Nürburgring, Monza, and Spa-Francorchamps for Vanwall, later professing real affection for the latter.
“I particularly loved Spa,” he said. “It seemed to me the essence of a true grand prix circuit: very quick and calling for great precision, with no margin for error.
“Nobody will persuade me there isn’t more of a challenge to the driver if he knows he might hurt himself if he goes off. Brick walls and trees and ditches instil a discipline, believe me! I can remember drivers who were quick on ‘aerodrome circuits’, but no threat at all on true road circuits.”