1964 Mexican Grand Prix

Championship standings

Three drivers enter the final round with a title chance: Hill (BRM) on 39 points, Surtees (Ferrari) on 34, and Clark (Lotus) on 30. For the first time in Formula One history, all three contenders are British.

Three constructors are also in contention: Ferrari on 43 points, BRM on 42, Lotus on 37.

Previous race

At Watkins Glen, Hill won for the second year running and padded his lead. Surtees finished second, 30.5 seconds back. Jo Siffert was third in the privately entered Brabham. Clark retired after fuel injection problems forced two pit stops.

Championship permutations

Hill needs a second place finish to win the championship regardless of anyone else’s result. He can also win it with any finish, provided Surtees does not finish first or second ahead of him.

Surtees can win the title by finishing first, or by finishing second unless Hill finishes third or higher.

Clark must win the race, with Surtees finishing no higher than third and Hill no higher than fourth.

For the constructors: Ferrari need either a win, a second place with the top BRM finishing third or lower, or any result provided the top Lotus finishes second or lower and the top BRM third or lower. BRM need a win or a second place. Lotus need a win with the top Ferrari finishing third or lower.

Entrants

The Ferrari cars are again entered by the North American Racing Team and painted in blue and white with lengthwise Cunningham racing stripes — the national colours of teams licensed in the United States — as at Watkins Glen.