The 1970 Monaco Grand Prix was one of the many classics that have been run in the tiny principality over the years. After all, what more can you ask than that the race is decided on the final corner of the final lap?
As was ever the case in the 1970s, the Monaco circuit proved a gruelling challenge for both cars and drivers with a high rate of attrition across the 80 laps of the race. It was Jack Brabham who emerged from it all as the race leader for the vast bulk, heading into the final lap still leading the way in his Brabham-Ford
Remorselessly cutting down the gap was Jochen Rindt in the Lotus and, in looking to keep him at bay, Brabham braked a fraction too late on the final corner, locked all four wheels and slid into the guard rail. Rindt accelerated past him to win, setting a new lap record on the final tour.
Brabham recovered to finish second and took the lead in the world championship after what was the season’s third race. Rindt would go on to collect the crown in the end, but only after tragedy struck, Rindt killed in practice for the Italian Grand Prix later in the season, leaving him the only posthumous world champion.
Patrick McNally’s report on the Monaco weekend is well worth revisiting here.
