The 1970 Italian Grand Prix witnessed the fatal practice crash of Jochen Rindt, who posthumously became Formula One's only world champion.
Key Facts
- Race distance
- 68 laps
- Race winner
- Clay Regazzoni (Ferrari)
- Rindt's fate
- Died in practice on 5 September 1970
- Championship round
- Race 10 of 13
- Podium tyre brands
- Firestone, Dunlop, Goodyear (all different)
- Regazzoni's start position
- 3rd on the grid
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1970 Formula One season brought the Italian Grand Prix to Monza's high-speed circuit in September. Championship contender Jochen Rindt lost his life during qualifying on 5 September when his Lotus suffered brake failure under braking at Parabolica, casting a shadow over the entire race weekend.
The 68-lap race on 6 September 1970 was won by Clay Regazzoni for Ferrari, his first Grand Prix victory, starting from third position. Jackie Stewart finished second for Tyrrell and Jean-Pierre Beltoise third for Matra, with all three podium finishers using different tyre brands — Firestone, Dunlop, and Goodyear respectively.
Jochen Rindt's points tally proved insurmountable for the remaining season races, making him Formula One's only posthumous World Champion. The race was also the last at Monza run over 68 laps, the last win for a driver in an open-face helmet, and the last occasion all three podium finishers used different tyre manufacturers.