1969 United States Grand Prix

Previous race

Ickx won the Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport from pole position, but not cleanly: he and Stewart collided while running first and second on lap 33, sending Stewart into a ditch where he stalled. Ickx continued to an easy victory. Brabham finished second — his first podium of the year — with Rindt third. Al Pease, entered in an Eagle-Climax, was disqualified for driving too slowly, the only time that has ever occurred in a Formula One World Championship race.

Championship standings

Stewart is champion. Ickx is second in the standings and McLaren third.

Practice

Friday practice at Watkins Glen is wet and the session is largely inconclusive. Rindt and Stewart quickly separate themselves from the rest of the field in dry Saturday practice. The four-wheel-drive Matra and Lotus cars show no meaningful advantage even in the rain, and the concept is effectively finished.

Milestones

This is Graham Hill’s 113th World Championship race start, establishing a new record.

This is the 50th World Championship Grand Prix for an Austrian driver.