1965 United States Grand Prix

Championship standings

Clark is the confirmed World Champion, also having won the Indianapolis 500 this year. Hill and Stewart are contesting second place in the Drivers’ standings.

Previous race

At Monza, Stewart won his first Formula One Grand Prix in a BRM 1–2 from Hill. The race featured 42 lead changes among four drivers — the most ever in a Formula One motor race. Clark had led through the first two-thirds of the race alongside Hill, Stewart, and Surtees (who retired with clutch problems), before stopping on lap 64 with a failing fuel pump. Hill moved over to let Stewart through on the approach to the Parabolica on the final lap but ran wide onto the grass and mud, handing Stewart the victory.

Entrants

Ferrari arrives without John Surtees, who was injured in a sports car race in Canada the previous week. Bob Bondurant makes his Formula One World Championship debut. Jackie Stewart and Jochen Rindt are both racing at Watkins Glen for the first time.

Weather

The weekend is cold — 45 °F (7 °C) — windy at 30 mph, and often wet.

Practice

Clark and Hill traded fastest times across the two practice days. On Friday, Clark posted 1:12.7 before Hill beat it. On Saturday, Hill set 1:11.25; Clark, using Spence’s car after his own broke, responded with 1:11.16. Overnight, Clark’s 32-valve engine was repaired and he elects to start from second on the grid. Ginther qualified third in the Honda, aided by the V12’s straight-line speed.