1968 Formula 1 World Championship
Graham Hill and Lotus Won the F1 Title
After racing around Europe for several months the Formula 1 teams headed off to Canada for the Grand Prix at Mont-Tremblant. From there the show moved to America, before the last race in Mexico. In a close title battle it seemed likely that the World Championship would be decided at the final Grand Prix, with Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Denny Hulme the main protagonists.
Hulme Victorious in Canadian Grand Prix
The picturesque Mont-Tremblant circuit was the venue for the 1968 Canadian Grand Prix. Jochen Rindt proved impossible to catch in qualifying, lining his Brabham up on pole position. Unfortunately for the Austrian his engine couldn’t stand the punishment in the race and he retired. Jo Siffert continued to prove that a privately entered car was capable of competing with the works teams as he qualified third and claimed fastest lap. Like Rindt, his race also ended early, with an oil leak.
Victory in Canada went to McLaren’s Denny Hulme, which greatly improved his title hopes. His team-mate Bruce McLaren finished second, with Pedro Rodriguez third. The McLaren surprised many people in 1968 with its pace. It was becoming clear that, with a neat chassis and a Ford DFV engine, it was possible to challenge for glory in Grand Prix racing.
Stewart Beats Hill at Watkins Glen
Mario Andretti caused a sensation during qualifying for the 1968 US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen by setting the fastest time in his first ever attempt at Formula 1. The American’s achievement certainly boosted spectator numbers on race day, although they were ultimately disappointed when his Lotus suffered clutch failure. It was Stewart who won the race, with title rival Hill in second and John Surtees completing the podium. The result set up a fascinating championship decider in Mexico City, with Hill, Stewart and Hulme all in with a chance of taking the title.
Hill Wins Formula 1 Title in Mexico
Siffert was on top form during qualifying in Mexico, starting from pole and also setting fastest lap. The main interest was elsewhere, however. Hulme was eliminated from the title battle when his suspension broke. Meanwhile, Stewart could only manage to finish seventh. With Hill winning the race it meant the Lotus driver became World Champion for the second time. His team also won the Constructor’s Championship.
The 1968 season had been a long and turbulent one. Lotus emerged as champions, but were still struggling to deal with the death of Jim Clark. In a tragic year Mike Spence, Jo Schlesser and Ludovico Scarfiotti also lost their lives. Everyone hoped that 1969 would be better.
Ford DFV in Graham Hill's Lotus 49
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