HistoryData
sports1973

1973 Formula One season — sports season

January 1, 1973

Jackie Stewart won his third F1 World Championship in 1973, a season marked by the deaths of Roger Williamson and François Cevert.

Quick Facts

Year
1973
Category
sports

Key Facts

Season number
27th FIA Formula One season
Number of races
15 championship races
Season dates
28 January – 7 October 1973
Drivers' Champion
Jackie Stewart (Elf Team Tyrrell)
Manufacturers' Cup winner
John Player Team Lotus
Fatalities
Roger Williamson and François Cevert killed

By the Numbers

27
Season number
15
Number of races
28
Season dates

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The 1973 Formula One season opened as the established championship structure entered its 27th year, with teams including Elf Team Tyrrell and John Player Team Lotus competing across a fifteen-race calendar spanning January to October.

Event

Jackie Stewart dominated the Drivers' Championship, claiming his third title with Elf Team Tyrrell, while Lotus secured the Manufacturers' Cup. The season was overshadowed by the deaths of Roger Williamson at the Dutch Grand Prix and François Cevert during practice at the final race, with the Tyrrell team withdrawing from that event.

Consequence

Cevert's death prompted Stewart, who had already privately decided to retire, to announce his withdrawal from racing. Tyrrell's withdrawal from the final race ceded the Manufacturers' title to Lotus. The tragedies renewed debate about safety conditions at Formula One circuits and in marshalling procedures.

Result

Jackie Stewart / Elf Team Tyrrell (Drivers' Champion)
vs
John Player Team Lotus (Manufacturers' Cup)
Jackie Stewart secured his third and final Drivers' World Championship

Timeline Context

Timeline around 197319731970197119721974197519761973 World Aquatics Championships — 1973 edition of the World Aquatics Championships1973 CONCACAF Championship — 1973 edition of the CONCACAF Championship association football competition1973 European Super Cup — football tournamentEurovision Song Contest 1973 — 18th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest1973–74 European Cup — 19th season of the UEFA club football tournament1973 oil crisis — 1973 petroleum shortage1973 World Women's Handball Championship — 1973 edition of the World Women's Handball Championship1973 OFC Nations Cup — international football competition1973-formula-one-season-sports-season-1973