With three races still to run in the 1966 Formula 1 season the World Championship looked a foregone conclusion for Jack Brabham. The Australian scored four consecutive victories to give himself an almost unassailable lead at the top of the standings. John Surtees was the only man who could prevent him from taking his third title.
Scarfiotti Wins for Ferrari at Monza
Ludovico Scarfiotti was entered in an extra Ferrari for the Italian Grand Prix, and he took full advantage. His team-mate Mike Parkes qualified on pole, with Scarfiotti second and Jim Clark third in a BRM powered Lotus. Surtees lined up fourth in his Cooper.
The Monza race followed the usual pattern, developing into a high speed slipstreamer. Eventually, Scarfiotti was able to break the two and escape from the chasing pack to win the Grand Prix by six seconds from Parkes. Denny Hulme was third for Brabham, Jochen Rindt fourth, Mike Spence fifth and Bob Anderson sixth. Brabham retired from proceedings early but, when Surtees also dropped out it confirmed the Australian as the 1966 Formula 1 World Champion. He also became the first person to win the title driving a car of their own construction.
Clark Wins US Grand Prix in Lotus-BRM
Clark’s victory at Watkins Glen in the troublesome BRM powered Lotus said more about the Scotsman’s driving ability than the potential of the car. Lorenzo Bandini led the race, but went out with an engine failure. Brabham then led, but his Repco also broke down. Clark was left to finish the race a lap ahead of Rindt. Surtees finished third after a great comeback drive, the result of a collision with Peter Arundell. Jo Siffert was fourth, Bruce McLaren fifth and Arundell sixth.
Surtees Wins Mexican Grand Prix
The Formula 1 season ended in Mexico City, and it was Surtees on pole with Clark second. Ritchie Ginther demonstrated the potential of his Honda by qualifying it third, ahead of Brabham, Rindt and Hulme.
Ginther led the Grand Prix initially, before Brabham took a turn at the front. Surtees passed the newly crowned World Champion and stayed in front until the end. Brabham was second and Hulme third. Ginther drove a solid race to finish in fourth, ahead of Dan Gurney’s Eagle and Jo Bonnier’s Cooper.
Brabham won the World Championship with a mixture of speed and reliability. The other teams would be better prepared in 1967, making the title difficult to defend.
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