1974 British Grand Prix
Jody Scheckter wins the 1974 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch.
The 1974 British Grand Prix (formally the John Player Grand Prix) was a Formula One motor race held at Brands Hatch on 20 July 1974. It was race 10 of 15 in both the 1974 World Championship of Drivers and the 1974 International Cup for Formula One Manufacturers.
- Date
- July 6, 1974
- Circuit
- Brands Hatch (Grand Prix Circuit)
- Winner
- Emerson Fittipaldi
- Car Model
- McLaren M23
- Team
- Motor Racing Developments Ltd. (McLaren)
- Engine
- Cosworth DFV V8
- Championship Context
- Round 9 of the 1974 FIA Formula One World Championship
Lore & Background
The 75-lap race was won by Jody Scheckter, driving a Tyrrell-Ford, with Emerson Fittipaldi second in a McLaren-Ford and Jacky Ickx third in a Lotus-Ford. Niki Lauda completed just 73 laps but was allowed an extra lap after the team protested his exit from the pit lane was blocked after a late wheel change. He initially classified ninth, but was awarded fifth place after appeal.
In Their Own Story
The air at Brands Hatch was thick with the scent of high-octane fuel and hot rubber. As the McLaren M23 roared down the straights, the mechanical symphony of the Cosworth DFV echoed off the grandstands packed with British fans. Fittipaldi gripped the wooden steering wheel, eyes scanning the horizon for Paddock Hill Bend.
Reader's Guide
This was the Formula One World Championship debut for British driver Mike Wilds, New Zealand driver John Nicholson and Italian driver Lella Lombardi - the second woman to enter in Formula One. This was the final F1 race for 1971 Italian GP winner Peter Gethin. This was the 50th Grand Prix start for a South African driver. It was also the 100th Grand Prix start for an Austrian driver. In those 100 races, Austrian drivers won 8 Grands Prix, achieved 18 podium finishes, 16 pole positions, 5 fastest laps, 2 Grand Slams and won 1 World Championship. This was the Formula One World Championship debut for British constructor Lyncar and Japanese constructor Maki. It was also the 25th Grand Prix start for Iso-Marlboro - entered by Frank Williams - and the 50th Grand Prix start for Tyrrell. This was the 8th win of the British Grand Prix by a Ford-powered car. It broke the previous record set by Ferrari at the 1961 British Grand Prix.
Did You Know?
- Jody Scheckter won the race driving a Tyrrell-Ford.
- Emerson Fittipaldi finished second in a McLaren-Ford.
- Niki Lauda was initially classified ninth but was awarded fifth place after appeal.
- This was the 50th Grand Prix start for a South African driver.
- This was the 100th Grand Prix start for an Austrian driver.
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