1974 F1 Season

The 1974 Formula One season, the 28th season of FIA motor racing, featured the World Championship of F1 Drivers and the International Cup for F1 Manufacturers, spanning fifteen races from 13 January to 6 October. Emerson Fittipaldi, driving for McLaren, emerged as the World Drivers’ Champion, marking McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship. This season was notable for the intense rivalry between Fittipaldi and Clay Regazzoni, who entered the final race tied in points. Fittipaldi’s fourth-place finish in the last race clinched his championship, as Regazzoni faced handling issues. The season witnessed multiple race winners, with Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, and Carlos Reutemann each securing three victories, and Jody Scheckter and Niki Lauda winning two races each.

1974 was a year of both innovation and tragedy in Formula One. The season saw the introduction of permanent racing numbers for teams, a practice that continued until 1996. Tragically, the sport lost two drivers: Peter Revson in a practice session accident at the South African GP and Helmuth Koinigg at the US GP. The season also marked the retirement of Denny Hulme and the entry of new teams and cars, including Graham Hill’s team of Lolas and the Hesketh team’s own car. The races were held across various international circuits, including in Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Spain, Belgium, Monaco, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Canada, and the United States, showcasing the global appeal and reach of Formula One.