1976 Formula One season

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Briton James Hunt won the World Championship of Drivers, driving for McLaren James Hunt - Dutch GP 1976 crop.jpg
Briton James Hunt won the World Championship of Drivers, driving for McLaren
Niki Lauda (pictured in 1975) was runner up by one point, driving for Ferrari Niki Lauda, 1975 British Grand Prix.jpg
Niki Lauda (pictured in 1975) was runner up by one point, driving for Ferrari

The 1976 Formula One season was the 30th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1976 World Championship of Drivers [1] and the 1976 International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers. [2] The two titles were contested over a sixteen race series which commenced on 25 January and ended on 24 October. [3] Two non-championship races were also held during the 1976 season. In an extraordinarily political and dramatic season, the Drivers' Championship went to McLaren driver James Hunt by one point from Ferrari's defending champion Niki Lauda, although Ferrari took the Manufacturers' trophy.

The controversy began in Spain where Hunt was initially disqualified from first place, handing the race win to Lauda, only for the decision to be overturned on appeal months later. Ferrari did not enter the Austrian Grand Prix out of protest. [4] Hunt won in France and, it seemed, in Britain, but the race had been restarted after a first lap pile-up and Hunt drove on an access road returning to the pits, which was against the rules. He was eventually disqualified after an appeal from Ferrari. Lauda became the official race winner. Lauda had a massive crash in West Germany and appeared likely to die from his injuries, but managed to return after missing just two races. Going into the final race in Japan, Lauda led Hunt by three points. In the appalling weather conditions, Lauda withdrew from the race and Hunt finished third to take the championship trophy. This was the last championship for a British driver until Nigel Mansell in 1992. The 2013 film Rush is based on this season, focusing on the rivalry and friendship between Hunt and Lauda.

Other noteworthy events include the introduction of the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34, the last race by Chris Amon, regarded as one of the best F1 drivers never to win a championship, and the British Grand Prix, for being the only championship race ever in which more than one female driver were entered (although both failed to qualify).

Teams and drivers

The following teams and drivers contested the 1976 World Championship of Drivers and the 1976 International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers.

EntrantConstructorChassisEngineTyreNoDriverRounds
Flag of Italy.svg Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari 312T
312T2
Ferrari 015 3.0 F12 G 1 Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda 1–10, 13–16
2 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni 1–10, 12–16
35 Flag of Argentina.svg Carlos Reutemann 13
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Elf Team Tyrrell Tyrrell-Ford 007
P34
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 3 Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Jody Scheckter All
4 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Patrick Depailler All
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Player Team Lotus Lotus-Ford 77 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 5 Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson 1
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bob Evans 2–3
Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti 4–5, 7–16
61
Flag of Sweden.svg Gunnar Nilsson 2–16
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Martini Racing Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT45 Alfa Romeo 115-12 3.0 F12 G 7 Flag of Argentina.svg Carlos Reutemann 1–12
Flag of Germany.svg Rolf Stommelen 13
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Larry Perkins 14–16
8 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Carlos Pace All
77 Flag of Germany.svg Rolf Stommelen 10
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Beta Team March
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lavazza March
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg March Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Theodore Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ovoro Team March
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg March Racing with John Day Model Cars
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Jägermeister Team March
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg First National City Bank Team March
March-Ford 761 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 9 Flag of Italy.svg Vittorio Brambilla All
10 Flag of Italy.svg Lella Lombardi 1
Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson 2–16
34 Flag of Germany.svg Hans-Joachim Stuck All
35 Flag of Italy.svg Arturo Merzario 3–9
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Marlboro Team McLaren McLaren-Ford M23
M26
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 11 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt All
12 Flag of Germany.svg Jochen Mass All
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg ShellSport Whiting Surtees-Ford TS16 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 13 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Divina Galica 9
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Stanley-BRM BRM P201B BRM P200 3.0 V12 G 14 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ian Ashley 1
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Lexington Racing Tyrrell-Ford 007 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 15 Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ian Scheckter 2
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Shadow Racing Team
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lucky Strike Shadow Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tabatip Shadow Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Benihana Shadow Racing
Shadow-Ford DN5B
DN8
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 16 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tom Pryce All
17 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jean-Pierre Jarier All
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Chesterfield Team Surtees
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Team Surtees
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Durex Team Surtees
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Durex Team Surtees / Theodore Racing
Surtees-Ford TS19 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 18 Flag of the United States.svg Brett Lunger 2–5, 7–11, 13–15
Flag of Sweden.svg Conny Andersson 12
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Noritake Takahara 16
19 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Alan Jones 3–16
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Frank Williams Racing Cars
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Walter Wolf Racing
Wolf-Williams-Ford FW04
FW05
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 20 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Jacky Ickx 1–6, 8–9
Flag of Italy.svg Arturo Merzario 10–16
21 Flag of Italy.svg Renzo Zorzi 1
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Michel Leclère 2–8
Flag of New Zealand.svg Chris Amon 14
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Warwick Brown 15
Flag of Austria.svg Hans Binder 16
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Masami Kuwashima 16
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Team Ensign
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Team Tissot Ensign
Ensign-Ford N174
N176
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 22 Flag of New Zealand.svg Chris Amon 2–7, 9–10
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Patrick Nève 8
Flag of Austria.svg Hans Binder 11
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Jacky Ickx 12–15
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Hesketh Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Penthouse Rizla+. Racing with Hesketh
Hesketh-Ford 308D Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 24 Flag of Austria.svg Harald Ertl 2–16
25 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Guy Edwards 5, 8–10, 13–14
Flag of Germany.svg Rolf Stommelen 12
Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Alex Ribeiro 15
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mapfre-Williams Williams-Ford FW04 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 25 Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Emilio Zapico 4
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Ligier Gitanes Ligier-Matra JS5 Matra MS73 3.0 V12 G 26 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jacques Laffite All
Flag of the United States.svg Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing Parnelli-Ford VPJ4B Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 27 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti 2–3
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Boro Racing Boro-Ford 001 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 27 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Larry Perkins 12
374–7
4013
Flag of the United States.svg First National City Bank Team Penske Penske-Ford PC3
PC4
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 28 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Watson All
Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Copersucar Fittipaldi Fittipaldi-Ford FD03
FD04
Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 30 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Emerson Fittipaldi All
31 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Ingo Hoffmann 1, 3–4, 8
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAM Racing
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg RAM Racing with Lavazza
Brabham-Ford BT44B Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 32 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Loris Kessel 4–5, 7–8, 11
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bob Evans 9
33 Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Emilio de Villota 4
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Patrick Nève 5
Flag of Denmark.svg Jac Nellemann 7
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Damien Magee 8
Flag of Italy.svg Lella Lombardi 9, 11
36 Flag of Germany.svg Rolf Stommelen [lower-alpha 1] [5] [6] [7] 10
37 Flag of Italy.svg Lella Lombardi 10
Flag of Italy.svg Scuderia Gulf Rondini Tyrrell-Ford 007 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 37 Flag of Italy.svg Alessandro Pesenti-Rossi 13
3911
4010, 12
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Team Norev Surtees-Ford TS19 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 38 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Henri Pescarolo 6, 8–15
Flag of the Netherlands.svg F&S Properties Penske-Ford PC3 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 39 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Boy Hayje 12
Flag of Austria.svg ÖASC Racing Team Tyrrell-Ford 007 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 39 Flag of Austria.svg Otto Stuppacher 13–15
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Team P R Reilly Shadow-Ford DN3B Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 G 40 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mike Wilds 9
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Kojima Engineering Kojima-Ford KE007 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 D 51 Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Masahiro Hasemi 16
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Heros Racing Tyrrell-Ford 007 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 B 52 Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Kazuyoshi Hoshino 16
Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Maki Engineering Maki-Ford F102A Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 D 54 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tony Trimmer 16

    Team and driver changes

    After taking on Alfa Romeo engines, the Brabhams were painted rosso corsa red. Stommelen auf Brabham 1976.jpg
    After taking on Alfa Romeo engines, the Brabhams were painted rosso corsa red.
    Emerson Fittipaldi drove for his brother's team. Emerson Fittipaldi BH76 02.jpg
    Emerson Fittipaldi drove for his brother's team.
    The Ligier team with Matra engine and Jacques Laffite as driver would go on to become the first all-French F1 team to win a Grand Prix. Jacques Laffite GP Italia 1976.jpg
    The Ligier team with Matra engine and Jacques Laffite as driver would go on to become the first all-French F1 team to win a Grand Prix.

    Mid-season changes

    Calendar

    The Drivers and Manufacturers titles were contested over sixteen races.

    Round Grand Prix Circuit Date
    1 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Brazilian Grand Prix Autodromo de Interlagos, São Paulo 25 January
    2 Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg South African Grand Prix Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Midrand 6 March
    3 Flag of the United States.svg United States Grand Prix West Long Beach Street Circuit, Los Angeles, California 28 March
    4 Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Spanish Grand Prix Circuito Permanente Del Jarama, Madrid 2 May
    5 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgian Grand Prix Circuit Zolder, Heusden-Zolder 16 May
    6 Flag of Monaco.svg Monaco Grand Prix Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo 30 May
    7 Flag of Sweden.svg Swedish Grand Prix Scandinavian Raceway, Anderstorp 13 June
    8 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg French Grand Prix Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet 4 July
    9 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg British Grand Prix Brands Hatch, Kent 18 July
    10 Flag of Germany.svg German Grand Prix Nürburgring, Nürburg 1 August
    11 Flag of Austria.svg Austrian Grand Prix Österreichring, Spielberg 15 August
    12 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Dutch Grand Prix Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort 29 August
    13 Flag of Italy.svg Italian Grand Prix Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza 12 September
    14 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canadian Grand Prix Mosport Park, Bowmanville, Ontario 3 October
    15 Flag of the United States.svg United States Grand Prix Watkins Glen Grand Prix Course, New York 10 October
    16 Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Japanese Grand Prix Fuji Speedway, Oyama, Shizuoka 24 October

    Calendar changes

    Regulation changes

    1976 BRDC International Trophy, James Hunt.jpg
    Mass McLaren 10.jpg
    Left: James Hunt driving the McLaren with the high air box, Right: Jochen Mass driving the McLaren with the adapted air box, conformed to the new regulations

    There had been no impactful regulation changes over the winter, [13] but before the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix, a restriction was placed on the height of the air box to no more than 850 mm (33 in). This eliminated many eye-striking designs seen in the past years. [14] [15] It was also stipulated at that time, that an F1 car could not be wider than 215 cm (85 in). [16] This caught out the McLaren team and James Hunt was disqualified, only for the decision to be overturned by the team's appeal.

    Season report

    Race 1: Brazil

    For the opening round of the season in Brazil at the 5-mile Interlagos circuit in São Paulo, James Hunt took pole position in his McLaren with reigning World Champion Niki Lauda alongside in his Ferrari (which set the tone for the season). Clay Regazzoni in the second Ferrari took the lead at the start. Regazzoni, Lauda, Hunt and Shadow's Jean-Pierre Jarier battled. Regazzoni and Jarier collided, and the former had to pit for repairs. Lauda now led from Hunt and Jarier, but Hunt crashed out due to a sticking throttle, and Jarier did the same a lap later after driving on some oil in the track. Lauda thus started his title defence with victory, with Patrick Depailler second in the Tyrrell, and Tom Pryce completing the podium in the other Shadow.

    Race 2: South Africa

    At the Kyalami circuit near Johannesburg, Hunt took pole position for the second time in two races, with Lauda alongside again. It was Lauda who led into the first corner, with Hunt dropping down to fourth behind McLaren teammate Jochen Mass and Vittorio Brambilla in his March. Hunt was waved through by Mass, and passed Brambilla to take second after five laps. Lauda led from start to finish to win again, with Hunt second and Mass third for McLaren.

    Race 3: United States GP West

    Well after the South African race, the drivers assembled at Long Beach in the US for the third round. Regazzoni took pole position with Depailler second, forcing Hunt and Lauda onto the second row. The top four maintained their positions at the start, and almost immediately Regazzoni began to pull away. Hunt now tried to pass Depailler for second; they collided; Hunt was out, Depailler went wide, and Lauda sailed through to second. Depailler kept third until a spin which dropped him well down the order, but he charged back up to fifth, and was back in third after Pryce's Shadow, and Jody Scheckter in the second Tyrrell retired after driveshaft and suspension failures respectively. Regazzoni went on to take a dominant victory, with Lauda completing the Ferrari 1–2, and Depailler third.

    Race 4: Spain

    As the European season began at the Jarama circuit near Madrid, there was a big talking point as the Tyrrell team entered a new P34 six-wheeler for Depailler. Depailler was on the pace and qualified third, behind Hunt and Lauda. Lauda once again beat Hunt off the line at the start and led for the first third of the race. Depailler, after a slow start, was running fourth behind Mass when he spun off and crashed with brake problems. Just before mid-race, the McLarens of Hunt and Mass found another gear and drove past Lauda, but towards the end of the race, Mass had to retire with an engine failure. Hunt took his first win of the season, with Lauda second and Gunnar Nilsson's Lotus third.

    After the race, Hunt was disqualified because his McLaren was found to be too wide. McLaren appealed, saying this was due to the expansion of the tyres during the race, and two months after the race, Hunt was reinstated.

    Race 5: Belgium

    The fifth round was at the Zolder circuit near the Dutch-Belgian border. Ferrari locked out the front row, with Lauda on pole from Regazzoni. Lauda motored away as the start, with Hunt up to second but, soon Regazzoni took the place back. The Ferraris raced away, and Hunt dropped to sixth, behind Jacques Laffite's Ligier and the two six-wheeled Tyrrells, before eventually retiring with a transmission failure. Depailler also retired when his engine blew up. Lauda won, and Regazzoni completed a dominant Ferrari 1–2, with Laffite taking his first podium.

    Race 6: Monaco

    Lauda took pole with Regazzoni alongside on the front row again. Lauda led into the first corner, and was never headed again. Ronnie Peterson's March got up to second, and allowed Lauda to pull away by holding up Regazzoni and the two Tyrrells. At one-third distance, Regazzoni went down an escape road because of oil on the track, and Peterson spun off and crashed on the next lap due to the same reason. This left Scheckter second and Depailler third but Regazzoni charged back and passed Depailler. He, however crashed out with 5 laps left while chasing Scheckter, thus ensuring that both the six-wheeled cars were on the podium behind Lauda.

    Lauda now had a massive 33-point lead in the championship over Regazzoni and Hunt.

    Race 7: Sweden

    Scheckter took pole in Sweden at Anderstorp, the first for the Tyrrell P34, with Mario Andretti's Lotus second and Chris Amon an amazing 3rd on the grid in the Ensign. Andretti took the lead at the start, but went off with engine failure at around two thirds distance. The six-wheelers went on to dominate (much to the chagrin of some of the other teams) and finished 1–2, with Scheckter winning. Amon was robbed of a possible podium by a suspension failure. As a result, third place went to the consistent Lauda. With Hunt finishing fifth Scheckter was now second in the points for the world championship.

    Race 8: France

    The French round took place at the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France, and 'normal service' was resumed, with Hunt on pole and Lauda second, with Depailler third, continuing Tyrrell's strong form. Lauda beat Hunt off the line as usual, and led the early stages until his engine failed. Hunt now led with Regazzoni close behind, but Regazzoni's Ferrari engine also failed. With the Ferraris out, any challenge to Hunt evaporated, and Hunt went on to win with Depailler second. Scheckter ran third until he faded away with engine trouble, giving John Watson third and Penske its first podium.

    Race 9: Great Britain

    The British fans had found a new hero in Hunt, but it was Lauda who took pole at Brands Hatch, beating the home hero Hunt into second, and Andretti showing Lotus's pace with third. At the start, Regazzoni began like a rocket and was immediately up to second, and was challenging Lauda. The two touched, and Regazzoni spun. He was hit by Hunt and Jacques Laffite but the rest of the field were away safely. However, there was too much debris on track, and the race was to be restarted. In controversial circumstances McLaren, Ferrari and Ligier had Hunt, Regazzoni and Laffite all take part in the restarted race in spare cars.

    There was no trouble in the restart, as Lauda led from Hunt and Regazzoni into the first corner. The top three were unchanged till mid-race until Regazzoni retired with a gearbox problem, promoting Scheckter to third. Lauda led comfortably until he too suffered from gearbox troubles, and home hero Hunt took the lead with 15 minutes left, sending the home fans wild. Hunt went on to win, with Lauda hanging on to second and Scheckter third.

    After the race, Ferrari, Tyrrell and the Fittipaldi team appealed against Hunt being allowed to take part in the spare car. Ferrari took the matter to the FIA (which was hypocritical since their own driver, Regazzoni had started in a spare, although he retired), and two months later, Hunt was disqualified and Lauda was given the win. Scheckter was promoted to second, Watson had another podium, and Two-time champion Emerson Fittipaldi got sixth place and a point.

    Race 10: West Germany

    There were concerns by the drivers in the German GP held at the legendary Nordschleife about the safety of the track. The mountainous Nordschleife section of the Nürburgring was 14 miles (23 km) long – almost 3 times longer than Interlagos, the next longest circuit on the calendar and 7 times longer than the Monaco street circuit and its size meant it was nearly impossible to manage it safely to 1976 regulatory standards- the organizers were not willing or able to provide up to 5 times the marshals, medical services and firefighters needed at this circuit than at any other F1 circuit. Ultimately, all the drivers decided to race, and it was no surprise that Hunt and Lauda were on the front row, the British driver on pole, with Depailler heading the second row. At the start, on a damp but drying track, once again it was Regazzoni who started off best, whereas Lauda was slow and lost a lot of places. Regazzoni was leading from Hunt but he spun and dropped to fourth. At the end of the first lap, over eight minutes after the race started most of the drivers decided to pit for dry tyres. This left Mass's McLaren leading from Gunnar Nilsson.

    Regazzoni driving the Ferrari 312T2 at the Nurburgring in 1976. Regazzoni, Clay am 31.07.1976 - Ferrari 312T.jpg
    Regazzoni driving the Ferrari 312T2 at the Nürburgring in 1976.

    On the second lap, Lauda lost control at high speed due to a suspected rear suspension failure and crashed into the barriers before bouncing back on to the track, and the car caught fire. The car was then hit by Harald Ertl's Hesketh and Brett Lunger's Surtees. The two drivers immediately got out of their cars, and soon Arturo Merzario stopped his Wolf–Williams as well and also Guy Edwards helped. The four pulled Lauda out of the burning car, and the race was stopped. It took the one helicopter (which was parked at the pits on one extreme end of the circuit) at the track an excruciating 5 to 6 minutes to get to the accident site, and Lauda was sent to hospital with serious burns and was fighting for his life.

    Hans-Joachim Stuck driving for the March team in the German Grand Prix StuckHansJ1976-07-31.jpg
    Hans-Joachim Stuck driving for the March team in the German Grand Prix

    The race restarted, with the starting slots of Lauda, Ertl and Lunger left empty. Hunt led at the restarted race with Regazzoni up to second, but this did not last long as Regazzoni spun off and dropped back, and Depailler hit the barriers while trying to avoid him. This left Hunt with a big lead ahead of Carlos Pace in the Brabham, the Brabham team showing some speed. Soon, Scheckter was up to second, and Pace was passed by a recovering Regazzoni. Hunt eased to victory ahead of Scheckter, and Mass completed the podium by passing Pace after Regazzoni spun off (again).

    With Hunt's crucial victory at this longest of racing circuits, and after 49 years of Grand Prix racing, the 1976 German Grand Prix was the last Grand Prix at the old Nürburgring- one of the most iconic, historic and legendary circuits in Europe. The German Grand Prix moved further south to the Hockenheimring and Grand Prix racing did not return to the Nürburgring until 1984 on the newly constructed 2.8 mile Grand Prix circuit.

    Race 11: Austria

    The news before the Austrian GP at the Österreichring was that Lauda's condition was no longer life-threatening, but there was a low attendance with Lauda not racing; and Ferrari were so shaken by Lauda's crash that they did not compete at all. Hunt meanwhile took pole, ahead of countryman Watson and Ronnie Peterson. Watson took the lead at the start ahead of Peterson and Hunt, but soon Peterson was in the lead. Scheckter was on a charge from the mid-field, and he took the lead on the 10th lap, but then Watson was back in front. Scheckter battled until he crashed due to a suspension failure, and Peterson ultimately began to drop back. Watson thus won, the result being his and Penske's first win, and the podium was completed by Laffite and Nilsson.

    Race 12: Netherlands

    Lauda had begun his recovery, and was planning to race later in the season, and as a result, Ferrari were back in business in the Netherlands, but with only one car for Regazzoni. It was Peterson who took pole at Zandvoort, beating pole king Hunt and Tom Pryce's Shadow. Peterson led the early stages ahead of Watson, until Watson made a mistake which let Hunt through. Peterson then struggled and dropped behind Hunt, Watson and Regazzoni. Watson retired with a gearbox failure, promoting Regazzoni and Peterson, but the latter also retired when he lost oil pressure. Regazzoni now closed up on Hunt, bringing Mario Andretti with him, but Hunt held them off, with Regazzoni and Andretti within two seconds of him in second and third.

    Race 13: Italy

    After the Dutch GP, with Hunt only two points behind Lauda, the championship seemed to be a cakewalk for him. But then came the news that Lauda was going to make an astonishing return for the last four races of the season (it was so unexpected that Ferrari had to run three cars for Lauda, Regazzoni, and Lauda's supposed replacement Carlos Reutemann), just six weeks after his accident.

    As the event went on at the modified Monza circuit, Laffite took pole in qualifying, with Scheckter's six-wheeler alongside and Pace third. Lauda was fifth, and Hunt along with Watson and Mass were penalised and sent to the back because of supposed fuel irregularities. At the start, Scheckter led ahead of Laffite and Depailler with Lauda down in the midfield, but soon Peterson was on a charge and took the lead after 14 laps. Peterson's charge also brought Regazzoni with him, and soon the Swiss was up to third. Scheckter dropped off, and the top four of Peterson, Depailler, Regazzoni and Laffite ran closely. Hunt spun off while trying to charge up the field, and Depailler dropped back late on with engine trouble. Peterson took his first win in two years, with Regazzoni second, Laffite third, and Lauda an incredible fourth.

    Race 14: Canada

    The week-long North American tour started with the teams assembling at the scenic Mosport Park track near Toronto for the Canadian Grand Prix. Hunt's disqualification from the British GP came after the Italian race, and as a result Hunt had only 47 points to Lauda's 64 with three races left. The Englishman took pole, with Peterson also on the front row ahead of March teammate Vittorio Brambilla. As usual, Hunt did not start well, and Peterson took the lead. But it was not for long as Hunt retook the lead on lap 10, and soon both Marches dropped way back, and so Depailler was second and Andretti third. The top three of Hunt, Depailler and Andretti were unchanged for the rest of the race. Lauda was running fifth until handling issues dropped him out of the points, and Hunt had closed the gap to 8 points.

    Race 15: United States

    The penultimate round and the second leg of the North American tour was in the US at Watkins Glen, New York, a circuit similar (and close by) to Mosport Park in that it was fast and scenic with a number of long, sweeping corners. Hunt took his eighth pole of the season, with the six-wheeler of Scheckter alongside, and Peterson third. As expected, Scheckter took the lead at the start, with Hunt and Brambilla following. The front two pulled away and battled, with Hunt passing Scheckter mid-race and Scheckter returning the favour a few laps later. Hunt took the lead again with 14 laps left and went on to win, and Scheckter had to settle for second. The Marches were again unable to keep up the pace, and it was left to Lauda to take an astonishing podium, just beating Mass in the second McLaren.

    Race 16: Japan

    The championship was to be decided in Japan at the fast Fuji Speedway near Tokyo, and Lauda was leading Hunt by three points. In qualifying, Hunt took second, but Lauda was right behind in third as Andretti took pole for Lotus. On race day, it rained heavily, and the weather was dreadful with the track full of water and the rain pelting down. Hunt got a good start for once, and took the lead from Andretti. Some of the drivers protested, saying it was too dangerous to race. At the end of the second lap, Lauda came into the pits and withdrew, saying that the conditions were too dangerous. Emerson Fittipaldi and Carlos Pace also withdrew. At the front, Hunt was leading but was soon challenged by Brambilla until the Italian spun out of contention. By mid-race, Mass had jumped up to second behind his teammate and acted as a protective buffer, but then crashed out. Hunt led from Depailler and Andretti, but then began to suffer from tyre wear, and both drivers passed with 11 laps left. This was still fine as Hunt was third and needed only three points to become World Champion, because he had more wins than Lauda. This became second when Depailler's tyres gave out, and he suffered a puncture but soon Hunt himself also had the same fate and had to pit. Andretti now led, with Alan Jones's Surtees second, Regazzoni third, Depailler fourth and Hunt fifth. On old, worn-out tyres, Jones and Regazzoni were fighting just to save their tyres, and first Depailler, and then Hunt with just two laps left passed both of them. Andretti won, getting his first win in five years, with Depailler second, and Hunt's third place meant that he was the F1 World Champion of 1976.

    Results and standings

    Grands Prix

    The 1976 World Championship of Drivers and the International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers were contested concurrently over a sixteen race series.

    Round Grand Prix Pole position Fastest lap Winning driver Winning constructor Report
    1 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Brazilian Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jean-Pierre Jarier Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    2 Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg South African Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    3 Flag of the United States.svg United States Grand Prix West Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    4 Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Spanish Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of Germany.svg Jochen Mass Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    5 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgian Grand Prix Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    6 Flag of Monaco.svg Monaco Grand Prix Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    7 Flag of Sweden.svg Swedish Grand Prix Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Jody Scheckter Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Jody Scheckter Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tyrrell-Ford Report
    8 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg French Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    9 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg British Grand Prix Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari Report
    10 Flag of Germany.svg German Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Jody Scheckter Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    11 Flag of Austria.svg Austrian Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Watson Flag of the United States.svg Penske-Ford Report
    12 Flag of the Netherlands.svg Dutch Grand Prix Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    13 Flag of Italy.svg Italian Grand Prix Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jacques Laffite Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson Flag of the United Kingdom.svg March-Ford Report
    14 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canadian Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Patrick Depailler Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    15 Flag of the United States.svg United States Grand Prix Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford Report
    16 Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Japanese Grand Prix Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jacques Laffite [17] [18] Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lotus-Ford Report

    World Drivers' Championship standings

    Points were awarded on a 9–6–4–3–2–1 basis to the top six finishers in each race. [19] The best seven results from the first eight races and the best seven results from the remaining eight races could be retained. [20]

    PosDriver BRA
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg
    RSA
    Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg
    USW
    Flag of the United States.svg
    ESP
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg
    BEL
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg
    MON
    Flag of Monaco.svg
    SWE
    Flag of Sweden.svg
    FRA
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg
    GBR
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
    GER
    Flag of Germany.svg
    AUT
    Flag of Austria.svg
    NED
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg
    ITA
    Flag of Italy.svg
    CAN
    Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg
    USA
    Flag of the United States.svg
    JPN
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg
    Pts
    1 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Ret2Ret1RetRet51DSQ141Ret11369
    2 Flag of Austria.svg Niki Lauda 1122113Ret1Ret483Ret68
    3 Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Jody Scheckter 54RetRet421622Ret5542Ret49
    4 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Patrick Depailler 293RetRet322RetRetRet762Ret239
    5 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Clay Regazzoni 7Ret1112146RetDSQ92267531
    6 Flag of the United States.svg Mario Andretti Ret6RetRetRetRet5Ret1253Ret3Ret122
    7 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg John Watson Ret5NCRet710Ret3371Ret11106Ret20
    8 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jacques Laffite RetRet412312414DSQRet2Ret3RetRet720
    9 Flag of Germany.svg Jochen Mass 635Ret651115Ret379Ret54Ret19
    10 Flag of Sweden.svg Gunnar Nilsson RetRet3RetRetRetRetRet53Ret1312Ret611
    11 Flag of Sweden.svg Ronnie Peterson RetRet10RetRetRet719RetRet6Ret19RetRet10
    12 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tom Pryce 37Ret81079848Ret4811RetRet10
    13 Flag of Germany.svg Hans-Joachim Stuck 412RetRetRet4Ret7RetRetRetRetRetRet5Ret8
    14 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Carlos Pace 10Ret96Ret98484RetRetRet7RetRet7
    15 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Alan Jones NC95Ret13Ret510Ret81216847
    16 Flag of Argentina.svg Carlos Reutemann 12RetRet4RetRetRet11RetRetRetRet93
    17 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Emerson Fittipaldi 13176RetDNQ6RetRet613RetRet15Ret9Ret3
    18 Flag of New Zealand.svg Chris Amon 1485Ret13RetRetRetDNS2
    19 Flag of Italy.svg Vittorio Brambilla Ret8RetRetRetRet10RetRetRetRet6714RetRet1
    20 Flag of Germany.svg Rolf Stommelen 612Ret1
    Flag of Austria.svg Harald Ertl 15DNQDNQRetDNQRetRet7Ret8Ret16DNS1380
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Jean-Pierre Jarier RetRet7Ret981212911Ret10191810100
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Jacky Ickx 816DNQ7DNQDNQ10DNQRet1013Ret0
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Larry Perkins 138DNQRetRetRet17RetRet0
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Henri Pescarolo DNQRetRetDNQ9111719NC0
    Flag of Italy.svg Arturo Merzario DNQRetRetDNQ149RetRetRetRetDNSRetRetRet0
    Flag of Italy.svg Renzo Zorzi 90
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Noritake Takahara 90
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Michel Leclère 13DNQ101111Ret130
    Flag of the United States.svg Brett Lunger 11DNQDNQRet1516RetRet101415110
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Bob Evans 10DNQRet0
    Flag of Italy.svg Alessandro Pesenti-Rossi 1411DNQ180
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Ingo Hoffmann 11DNQDNQDNQ0
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Masahiro Hasemi 110
    Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Loris Kessel DNQ12RetDNQNC0
    Flag of Italy.svg Lella Lombardi 14DNQDNQ120
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Alex Ribeiro 120
    Flag of Australia (converted).svg Warwick Brown 140
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Guy Edwards DNQ17Ret15DNS200
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Patrick Nève Ret180
    Flag of Austria.svg Hans Binder RetRet0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ian Ashley Ret0
    Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg Ian Scheckter Ret0
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg Boy Hayje Ret0
    Flag of Sweden.svg Conny Andersson Ret0
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Kazuyoshi Hoshino Ret0
    Flag of Austria.svg Otto Stuppacher DNSDNQDNQ0
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Masami Kuwashima DNS0
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Emilio de Villota DNQ0
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg Emilio Zapico DNQ0
    Flag of Denmark.svg Jac Nellemann DNQ0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Damien Magee DNQ0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Mike Wilds DNQ0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Divina Galica DNQ0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tony Trimmer DNQ0
    PosDriver BRA
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg
    RSA
    Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg
    USW
    Flag of the United States.svg
    ESP
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg
    BEL
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg
    MON
    Flag of Monaco.svg
    SWE
    Flag of Sweden.svg
    FRA
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg
    GBR
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
    GER
    Flag of Germany.svg
    AUT
    Flag of Austria.svg
    NED
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg
    ITA
    Flag of Italy.svg
    CAN
    Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg
    USA
    Flag of the United States.svg
    JPN
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg
    Pts
    Key
    ColourResult
    GoldWinner
    SilverSecond place
    BronzeThird place
    GreenOther points position
    BlueOther classified position
    Not classified, finished (NC)
    PurpleNot classified, retired (Ret)
    RedDid not qualify (DNQ)
    Did not pre-qualify (DNPQ)
    BlackDisqualified (DSQ)
    WhiteDid not start (DNS)
    Race cancelled (C)
    BlankDid not practice (DNP)
    Excluded (EX)
    Did not arrive (DNA)
    Withdrawn (WD)
    Did not enter (cell empty)
    Text formattingMeaning
    Bold Pole position
    Italics Fastest lap


    International Cup for F1 Manufacturers standings

    Ferrari won the International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers LaudaNiki19760731Ferrari312T2.jpg
    Ferrari won the International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers
    McLaren placed second Mass McLaren 10.jpg
    McLaren placed second
    Tyrrell placed third ScheckterJody1976-07-31Tyrrell-FordP34.jpg
    Tyrrell placed third

    Points were awarded on a 9–6–4–3–2–1 basis to the top six finishers in each race, [21] but only to the first car to finish for each manufacturer. The best seven results from the first eight races and the best seven results from the remaining eight races were retained. [22]

    PosConstructor BRA
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg
    RSA
    Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg
    USW
    Flag of the United States.svg
    ESP
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg
    BEL
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg
    MON
    Flag of Monaco.svg
    SWE
    Flag of Sweden.svg
    FRA
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg
    GBR
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
    GER
    Flag of Germany.svg
    AUT
    Flag of Austria.svg
    NED
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg
    ITA
    Flag of Italy.svg
    CAN
    Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg
    USA
    Flag of the United States.svg
    JPN
    Flag of Japan.svg
    Pts [23]
    1 Flag of Italy.svg Ferrari 1112113Ret19WD2263583
    2 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Ford 62516551Ret141Ret11374 (75)
    3 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Tyrrell-Ford 243Ret421222115522271
    4 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Lotus-Ford Ret10Ret3RetRetRet5Ret533133Ret129
    5 Flag of the United States.svg Penske-Ford Ret5NCRet710Ret3371Ret11106Ret20
    6 Flag of France (lighter variant).svg Ligier-Matra RetRet412312414DSQRet2Ret3RetRet720
    7 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg March-Ford 4810RetRet477RetRet66195Ret19
    8 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Shadow-Ford 3778979848Ret4811101010
    9 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Brabham-Alfa Romeo 10Ret94Ret98484RetRetRet7RetRet9
    10 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Surtees-Ford 11NC95Ret1316510981215847
    11 Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg Fittipaldi-Ford 11176RetDNQ6RetRet613RetRet15Ret9Ret3
    12 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ensign-Ford 1485Ret13Ret18RetRetRetRet1013RetWD2
    13 Flag of the United States.svg Parnelli-Ford 6Ret1
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Hesketh-Ford 15DNQDNQRetDNQRet1771581216201280
    Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Wolf-Williams-Ford 813DNQ71111Ret10DNQRetRetRetDNQRet14Ret0
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg Boro-Ford 138DNQRetWDRetRet0
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Kojima-Ford 110
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Brabham-Ford DNQ12RetDNQRetDNS12WDWD0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg BRM RetWD0
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Williams-Ford DNQ0
    Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg Maki-Ford DNQ0
    PosConstructor BRA
    Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg
    RSA
    Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg
    USW
    Flag of the United States.svg
    ESP
    Flag of Spain (1945-1977).svg
    BEL
    Flag of Belgium (civil).svg
    MON
    Flag of Monaco.svg
    SWE
    Flag of Sweden.svg
    FRA
    Flag of France (lighter variant).svg
    GBR
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
    GER
    Flag of Germany.svg
    AUT
    Flag of Austria.svg
    NED
    Flag of the Netherlands.svg
    ITA
    Flag of Italy.svg
    CAN
    Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg
    USA
    Flag of the United States.svg
    JPN
    Flag of Japan.svg
    Pts

    Non-championship races

    Two non-championship races for Formula One cars were also held in 1976.

    Race NameCircuitDateWinning driverConstructorReport
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg XI Race of Champions Brands Hatch 14 March Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Cosworth Report
    Flag of the United Kingdom.svg XXVIII BRDC International Trophy Silverstone 11 April Flag of the United Kingdom.svg James Hunt Flag of the United Kingdom.svg McLaren-Cosworth Report

    See also

    Notes

    1. Stommelen was originally entered in a RAM Racing Brabham BT44B but after the team's cars were impounded by the police, he was transferred into the spare factory Brabham BT45.

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    References

    1. World Championship of Drivers, FIA Yearbook of Automobile Sport 1976, Orange section, pages 17 to 21
    2. International Cup for Formula 1 Manufacturers, FIA Yearbook of Automobile Sport 1976, Orange section, page 21
    3. "1976 RACE RESULTS". www.formula1.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
    4. Hope-Frost, Henry. "Top 12: Ferrari‑free Grands Prix". www.goodwood.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    5. "Grand Prix Results: German GP, 1976". grandprix.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    6. "GP Germany 1976". racingsportscars.com. Archived from the original on 14 November 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    7. "The German Grand Prix". motorsportmagazine.com. 7 July 2014. Archived from the original on 1 July 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
    8. Henry (1985) pp. 159–161
    9. "1973 United States Grand Prix Entry list". Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
    10. "1976 Austrian Grand Prix Entry list". Archived from the original on 5 November 2020. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
    11. "1976 Italian Grand Prix Entry list". Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
    12. Daily Express pp. 1, 8 & 16 Battle for Lauda's Life Monday 2 August 1976 "Heroes pull world champion from race wreck."
    13. Steven de Groote (1 January 2009). "F1 rules and stats 1970-1979". F1Technical.net. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
    14. "Five Moments When F1 Changed the Rules in the Middle of the Season". AutoEvolution=author=Silvian Irimia. 24 July 2022. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
    15. Bas Naafs (3 February 2016). "History: The 1976 season: Ferrari versus McLaren". GPToday.net. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
    16. Giorgio Piola (2 May 2020). "How McLaren and Ferrari went to war with the rules in '76". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
    17. "1976 Fastest Laps". www.formula1.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
    18. It was initially announced that Masahiro Hasemi set the fastest lap at the 1976 Japanese Grand Prix, but it was a measurement mistake, and, several days later, the circuit issued a press release to correct the fastest lap holder of the race to Jacques Laffite.
    19. Peter Higham, The Guinness Guide to International Motor Racing, 1995, page 6
    20. Mike Kettlewell, The Champion Book of World Championship Facts & Figures, 1982, page 33
    21. Mike Kettlewell, The Champion Book of World Championship Facts & Figures, 1982, page 40
    22. Peter Higham, The Guinness Guide to International Motor Racing, 1995, page 83
    23. Only the best 7 results from the first 8 races and the best 7 results from the last 8 races counted towards the championship. Numbers without parentheses are championship points; numbers in parentheses are total points scored.