Jochen Rindt

Austrian racing driver and the only posthumous World Champion in Formula 1 history, killed in practice for the 1970 Italian Grand Prix having already secured that year's title.

Born on 18 April 1942 in Mainz, Germany, Jochen Rindt was orphaned as an infant when his parents were killed in an Allied bombing raid during the Second World War, and was raised by his grandparents in Graz, Austria, whose passports he inherited, racing under the Austrian flag. He entered Formula 1 in 1964 and, after unsuccessful years with Cooper and Brabham, joined Lotus in 1969, immediately taking five pole positions and his maiden victory at the United States Grand Prix. Rindt's daredevil driving style, entering corners at speeds that appeared beyond the car's limits, made him one of the most thrilling and unsettling drivers to watch, and he became a vocal campaigner for improved safety standards in a dangerous era of the sport. His 1970 season began poorly with early retirements before he won four consecutive races, including the Dutch Grand Prix — a race darkened by the death of fellow driver Piers Courage. On 5 September 1970, during practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Rindt was killed when his Lotus 72 suffered a brake shaft failure and crashed into the barriers. With a lead that could not be overturned in the four remaining races, Rindt was posthumously crowned the 1970 World Champion, the only driver in the sport's history to win the title after death. His widow, Nina, accepted the trophy from Jackie Stewart at a ceremony in November 1970. Rindt's death led to a lengthy legal investigation into track safety, including a trial against Lotus founder Colin Chapman, who was ultimately cleared in 1976. Rindt remains remembered both for his six Grand Prix victories and his enduring, unique place in Formula 1 history.

Fearless, aggressive driving style that pushed cars to their absolute limit

Remembered as one of the most thrilling drivers of his era and a pioneering campaigner for motorsport safety

• Formula 1 World Champion 1970 (posthumous)
• 6 Grand Prix wins
• The only posthumous World Champion in F1 history