50 years ago, Vittorio Brambilla’s unique and crazy victory in Austria
On August 17, 1975, during the Austrian Grand Prix, spectators witnessed one of Formula 1's most unusual scenes. The winner crossed the finish line in reverse and completed his lap of honor in a largely damaged car.
It’s often said. You should never celebrate too early. Fifty years ago to the day, Vittorio Brambilla almost learned this the hard way. After leading the Austrian Grand Prix, the native of Monza was ready to celebrate his victory by raising his arms to the sky. But his March went into aquaplaning and hit the guardrails. His car was severely damaged. No matter, the Gorilla of Monza completed his lap of honor with the mangled car.
Despite this scene as funny as it is unusual, the Italian crossed the finish line as the winner. And especially in reverse. This success is a first in the history of Formula 1 as it is the pilot’s only victory. A win achieved under terrible and far from ideal conditions.
This 1975 season is dominated by one man: Niki Lauda. Once again on pole position, nothing could, on paper, prevent the local hero from winning. But a heavy rain came down on the Österreichring, now known as the Red Bull Ring.
The start was delayed for the marshals. But even with this precaution, the track was completely soaked at the time of the race start. Under these conditions, Vittorio Brambilla exploited the full – yet limited – potential of his March to surpass the benchmarks of the time: Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Clay Regazzoni, Patrick Depailler…
During the 19th lap, the Italian took control of the race and never let go. Facing the downpour that was lashing the circuit, the race management made a rare decision at the time: to stop it before its end. Thus, on the 29th lap, the checkered flag was waved, resulting in a rather unusual podium.
In addition to Vittorio Brambilla’s first victory, alongside him were Tom Pryce, marking his first podium finish, as well as James Hunt, who gave Hesketh their seventh and final trophy.
The situation did not benefit Niki Lauda as he could have been crowned world champion on his home ground. But the half-point from his sixth place was not enough. With a 17.5-point lead and 18 more points to be awarded, it was necessary to wait until Monza to see him win the world title.
