Although not the fastest Formula car in 1967 the Brabham proved to be reliable. The same could not be said of the extremely quick but fragile Lotus 49. By the time the World Championship reached Monza for the Italian Grand Prix both Brabham drivers could still win the title.
Surtees Wins in Honda at Monza
The 1967 Italian Grand Prix produced one of the greatest comeback drives ever seen in Formula 1. Jim Clark started from pole in his Lotus and was involved in the early slipstreaming battle at the front, before picking up a puncture. He crawled around to the pits to have the tyre replaced and was a lap down when he rejoined. Incredibly, Clark managed to get the lap back and take the lead from Jack Brabham. On the final lap the fuel pump on Clark’s Lotus malfunctioned. This allowed John Surtees and Brabham to pass the Scotsman. Surtees won the race for Honda by two tenths of a second, while a disappointed Clark trailed home in third.
Lotus 1-2 at Watkins Glen
Clark’s last lap woes at Monza meant that he was no longer a contender for the World Championship. The title battle was between team-mates Brabham and Denny Hulme. Graham Hill was on pole at Watkins Glen, with Clark second. This time Clark’s Lotus did last the distance, although only just. In the last few miles it developed a suspension problem and Clark had to coax it to victory.
Dan Gurney ran strongly before retiring his Eagle. Second place went to Hill, with Hulme third, Jo Siffert fourth, Brabham fifth and Jo Bonnier sixth. The result meant that Hulme headed to the final Grand Prix of the year with a useful lead over Brabham in the points standings.
Hulme Wins Formula 1 World Championship in Mexico
After qualifying on pole Clark’s getaway was rudely interrupted by Gurney’s Eagle, which rammed the Lotus from behind. Luckily, it did not seriously damage Clark’s car and he went on to win the Grand prix. Gurney was not so fortunate, retiring with a broken radiator. Brabham did all he could to win the title, finishing second. With Hulme crossing the line in third it was not enough. Hulme was the 1967 Formula 1 World Champion.
1967 had been an interesting year. Although a Brabham won the title it was obvious that, if reliability could be found, the Lotus would be the car to beat in 1968.
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