Scheckter Causes Mayhem in British GP
The 1973 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was the scene of one of the most spectacular crashes in Formula 1 history. As Jody Scheckter accelerated onto the start/finish straight to complete the first lap he lost control of his McLaren and spun in front of the pack. In the ensuing carnage eight cars were eliminated and the Surtees team was almost put out of business after all three of its cars became involved. Remarkably, the only injury was a broken leg suffered by Andrea De Adamich.
In the restarted race Jackie Stewart was chasing Ronnie Peterson’s Lotus when he lost control at Stowe corner and found himself navigating his Tyrrell out of a field. Emerson Fittipaldi fared no better and retired from the race. The victory went to Peter Revson, the first of the American’s Grand Prix career. Peterson finished second with Denny Hulme third. In fourth place was an exciting new talent. James Hunt had driven superbly all afternoon in his Hesketh entered March.
Williamson Killed at Zandvoort in Dutch GP
Ferrari were notable by their absence at the Dutch Grand Prix. The team had decided to temporarily withdraw from Formula 1 while they sought to improve the performance of their B3 car. Fittipaldi’s title defence suffered a serious setback in practice at Zandvoort when he shunted his Lotus heavily, damaging his ankle. Although he started the race, severe pain caused him to withdraw almost immediately.
Driving a March, sponsored by his great friend Tom Wheatcroft, was Roger Williamson, a young English driver who had made his debut at Silverstone but was eliminated in the multiple pile-up. On a fast right-hander he suffered a tyre failure, hit the barriers and was launched back across the track, the March being inverted and on fire. David Purley had been close behind Williamson and immediately pulled over to assist in the rescue. It became a one man rescue effort as marshals and police stood by and watched. Purley could not turn the car over, although he ruptured blood vessels in his arms trying. Williamson, otherwise uninjured, perished in the flames.
The race continued with Stewart winning, Cevert second and Hunt third, but there was no joy on the podium. In his 1986 autobiography, “Meine Story,” Niki Lauda recalled the mood;
“When we discovered later what had really happened, we were all devastated. For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the sight of Tom Wheatcroft’s crumpled figure, tears streaming down his cheeks.”
Stewart and Cevert in Tyrrell 1-2 at the Nurburgring
With Ferrari still absent Jacky Ickx accepted an offer from McLaren to drive at the Nurburgring in 1973. The Belgian qualified fourth, while Stewart claimed pole. In the race the Tyrrells were untouchable, Stewart leading Cevert home. Ickx drove a sensible race to finish third, albeit over half a minute behind the blue cars.
1973 Grand Prix review continues here.
