1971 Formula 1 Season: God Save the Queen

1971 Formula 1 Season: God Save the Queen

After the highly dramatic season for Lotus in 1970, when they were both at the top but lost team star Johann Rindt, the Formula 1 team entered a new phase. The constructors are betting on a new type of engine, which in the next season (1971) needs further development. Thus, the team leaves the battle for the title and invests its efforts in creating a better car for the following seasons. Emerson Fittipaldi also appears on the scene for Lotus, but the youngster also needs time to adapt to the pressure and competition of Formula 1.

In the background of the eerie incidents that mark the elite car championship, many of the drivers are demotivated. This is an ideal opportunity for the experienced Jackie Stewart, who won the world title with Tyrrell's team without much difficulty. The Brit restored the glory of his homeland, which in the 1960s was dominant in Formula 1. Stewart secured the title after winning 6 of the 11 starts on the championship calendar in 1971. Sensationally, a pilot from Sweden ranks second - Ronnie Peterson, and Francois Sever completes the top three. The constructors' title unsurprisingly goes to Tyrrell.

Outside the racing part of the championship, Formula 1 continues to struggle unsuccessfully against the extremely high death rate among drivers during training and races. Although the teams had already been implementing various safety-enhancing technologies for several years, the 1971 season was once again marked by death. Two pilots, Joe Cipher and Pedro Rodriguez, lost their lives. The sinister incidents are further proof that the measures so far are not yielding results.

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