Today, we're highlighting Formula 1's only ever posthumous World Champion: The legendary Jochen Rindt
Although technically German, Rindt raced with an Austrian licence during his career, earning a reputation as a fast and sometimes reckless driver. After impressing during his junior career (the press labelled Rindt the "King of Formula 2"), Rindt made his grand prix debut in 1964 for Rob Walker's team.
The Austrian's career picked up in 1969 when he signed for Colin Chapman's Lotus team. Rindt claimed his first Formula 1 victory at that year's United States Grand Prix. He was untouchable the following year; the new Lotus 72 allowing Rindt to claim four straight victories and amass a sizeable lead in the Drivers' World Championship standings.
However, Rindt was tragically killed during practice during the 1970 Italian Grand Prix. A mechanical failure meant his Lotus left the track on the approach to the fearsomly fast Parabolica corner, with Rindt suffering fatal throat injuries as a result. Despite this, Rindt's lead in the Drivers' standings was such that his closest challenger, Ferrari's Jacky Ickx, couldn't overhaul his points total. This made the Austrian Formula 1's only ever posthumous World Champion.
Browse this email to find collectibles and Memorabilia on Jochen Rindt: Austria's adopted son.
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