HistoryData
general1970

1970 German Grand Prix — Formula One motor race held in 1970

August 2, 1970

The 1970 German Grand Prix was relocated to Hockenheimring on safety grounds, and its winner Jochen Rindt died before the season ended, becoming F1's only posthumous champion.

Quick Facts

Year
1970
Category
general

Key Facts

Race date
2 August 1970
Circuit
Hockenheimring
Race length
50 laps
Winner
Jochen Rindt (Lotus)
Championship round
Race 8 of 13
Starting position of winner
2nd on grid

By the Numbers

2
Race date
50laps
Race length
8
Championship round
2
Starting position of winner

Location

Map of Hockenheim, West GermanyMap of Hockenheim, West GermanyHockenheim, West Germany

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

Drivers demanded improved safety measures at the Nürburgring on short notice before the race weekend. Because the Nürburgring did not yet meet the required safety standards, organizers transferred the German Grand Prix to the Hockenheimring, which had already been fitted with Armco barriers.

Event

The 50-lap 1970 German Grand Prix was held at Hockenheimring on 2 August 1970, the first time the German Grand Prix had been staged at that venue. Jochen Rindt, starting from second position, drove his Lotus to victory. Jacky Ickx finished second for Ferrari and Denny Hulme third for McLaren.

Consequence

F1 returned to an updated Nürburgring in 1971, while this race proved to be Jochen Rindt's final career victory. Rindt was killed at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza later that season, and was subsequently awarded the 1970 World Drivers' Championship posthumously, the only driver in Formula One history to receive the title after death.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 197019701967196819691971197219731970 Asian Games — sixth edition of the Asian Games1970s — decade (1970-1979)Iranian Revolution — 1978–1979 revolution that overthrew the Iranian monarchy1970 FIFA World Cup — 9th FIFA World Cup, held in MexicoEurovision Song Contest 1970 — 15th edition of the Eurovision Song ContestCambodian genocide — genocide of as many as 3,000,000 Cambodians by communist Khmer Rogue in 1975–791970 Formula One season — sports season1970–71 European Cup — 16th season of the UEFA club football tournament1970-german-grand-prix-formula-one-motor-race-held-in-1970-1970