The Exceptional Races - 1968 British Grand Prix

1968 Formula 1 British Grand Prix

A close contest that lasted virtually the entire distance, and a popular winner, characterized the 1968 British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Brands clearly suited the Lotus 49, for behind Graham Hill's example in pole position were lined up his team-mate, Jackie Oliver, and, in fourth place, the Rob Walker entered 49 driven by Jo Siffert...


In third place sat Chris Amon in the Ferrari, looking to take his first win after a succession of near misses over the past season-and-a-half.

Oliver blasted into the lead — for the first time in his F1 career — and for three laps headed Hill, Siffert and Amon.Then Hill took over at the front, while Oliver's car began to trail smoke from an overfilled tank. Hill appeared to be on his way to a home win, something that he'd never managed before, but on lap 26 he was out with a driveshaft failure.

Consequently Oliver reassumed the lead, narrowly ahead of Siffert, but the latter's goggles were badly splashed with oil from Oliver's smoking car and, while attempting to clear them, he was passed by Amon. Siffert retaliated and, just after half distance, regained his second place. This immediately became first place, as Oliver pulled off with a broken crankshaft.

For the remainder of the race, Amon, desperate to record that first win, hounded Siffert for all he was worth. Siffert — equally eager to score what would be his first win — was impeccable in his defence. Through the infield section, the better handling of the Ferrari allowed it to crawl all over Siffert's car, but in the fast section around the back, the Lotus DFV could stretch its legs.

Thus Siffert took his debut win, while Amon, his tyres ruined, was left to wait for another day — a day which would never come.