1969 F1 Season

The 1969 Formula One season, the 23rd in the history of FIA Formula One racing, was a period of significant technological and safety advancements. The season, which featured the 20th World Championship of Drivers and the 12th International Cup for F1 Manufacturers, spanned from 1 March to 19 October and included eleven races and four non-championship races. British driver Jackie Stewart, driving for Matra-Ford, claimed his first championship title. Matra, having entered Formula One the previous year, withdrew their works team from the championship and focused on their partnership with Ken Tyrrell. Stewart’s victory in the Matra MS80, a French chassis, marked a first in Formula One history.

Technological innovation was evident with a brief resurgence of interest in four-wheel drive following several wet races in the previous year. Johnny Servoz-Gavin scored a point with a 4WD vehicle at the Canadian Grand Prix, while Al Pease made history by being the only driver disqualified from a World Championship event for being too slow. The season also marked the beginning of genuine safety measures at circuits. This initiative was partly a response to the cars’ increasing speed due to engine capacity rules changes and the growing influence of aerodynamics on performance. The Montjuïc circuit in Barcelona was the first Grand Prix racing circuit to be completely Armco-lined. The implementation of these safety measures, though still rudimentary compared to modern standards, was a significant step forward in protecting drivers and spectators.