1969 South African Grand Prix

Entrants

Ferrari enters a single car for Chris Amon after Enzo Ferrari reversed an earlier decision to nominate two drivers, without explanation. Brabham, BRM, Lotus, Matra and McLaren all field two cars.

Practice

The Lotus wing installations are giving trouble early. Reigning champion Graham Hill’s pedal mechanism for the movable wing breaks during practice, and the wing struts fail on the cars of teammates Jochen Rindt and Mario Andretti. Andretti observes that in fast corners the wing leans sideways until it touches the rear tyre, twisting the struts — a structural concern for the whole field.

Milestones

This is the 100th race for BRM as an engine supplier. In those hundred races they have won 14 Grands Prix, achieved 56 podiums, 9 pole positions, 12 fastest laps, 2 Grand Slams, and claimed 1 Drivers’ and 1 Constructors’ World Championship.