The Ford-Cosworth DFV era began, as Jim Clark took a stunning debut victory in the Dutch Grand Prix. In the hands of Clark and Graham Hill, the Lotus 49s set the pace, but were often beset by niggling problems that were to cost them dearly.

Brabham's Denis Hulme emerged as the World Champion despite only two victories, albeit at the classic Monte Carlo and the Nürburgring circuits.

Other winners in a varied and exciting season were Cooper, Honda and Eagle.

Ferrari failed to take a victory but their season was overshadowed by the death of their number one driver Lorenzo Bandini after he crashed at Monaco.