New alliances were formed between Brabham and engine supplier Alfa Romeo and a new French team from Ligier with Matra engines immediately became a force. One of the most unusual Grand Prix cars to be seen was introduced by Tyrrell, who ran a six-wheel car car with four half-sized front wheels.

A season of controversy in which included disqualifications and reinstatements culminated in an extraordinary battle for the championship between James Hunt and Niki Lauda which was only resolved at the final race in Japan. Lauda held the upper hand in the first half of the season until a fiery accident at the Nürburgring left him near-death. The brave Austrian, still suffering from his burns came back to defend Hunt's late season charge, only to pull out of the from the season's finale due to torrential rain.