Jim Clark, the man to beat for all but the first year of the 1.5-litre rules, fittingly became World Champion for a second time in the final year of the formula. Not only did he win six times (including both the British and Belgian races for a fourth successive year), but he also won the Indianapolis 500 on his third appearance at the Brickyard. Also outside Formula 1, Clark captured the French and British F2 titles for Lotus. Clark’s unique season displayed a level of domination seldom seen in international motor racing and it seemed inconceivable that this would be his last world title.
Once again British drivers dominated the series with Graham Hill completing a hat-trick of wins at both Monaco (which Clark missed in order to race at Indy) and Watkins Glen. The Italian Grand Prix was again the closest race of the year. The lead changed a record forty-two times between four drivers before Hill’s BRM team-mate Jackie Stewart scored his maiden GP victory to cap an impressive rookie campaign.
Reigning World Champions John Surtees and Ferrari endured a fruitless season that was curtailed by injury. Second in South Africa, Surtees was lucky to survive an accident while testing a sports car at Mosport Park in September. Richie Ginther won the closing race in Mexico City — not only his only victory, but also a first for Honda and for Goodyear tyres.
