1971 United States Grand Prix

Previous race

Canada: Stewart won at Mosport Park in heavy rain and thick fog; the race was stopped after 64 laps of the scheduled 80 — the first Formula One race ever to be red-flagged. Peterson ran second, Donohue third on his debut. A fatal accident in a Formula Ford support race had delayed the Grand Prix’s start by two hours.

Between-race developments

The Mexican Grand Prix has been cancelled, making Watkins Glen the season finale. The prize fund stands at $267,000 — easily the richest purse in Formula One.

Track changes

The Watkins Glen circuit has been significantly extended and rebuilt. A new mile of track at the southwest corner — known as “The Boot” or “The Anvil” — brings the circuit to 3.377 miles. The pits complex has been relocated, and the circuit has been resurfaced and widened throughout.

Entrants

Mario Andretti (Ferrari) and Mark Donohue (Penske-entered McLaren) qualified but will be unable to start: a USAC race in New Jersey was rescheduled to the same Sunday. David Hobbs substitutes for Donohue in the Penske car. Peter Revson races in the third Tyrrell entry — his only race for the team and his first Formula One start since 1964. American Sam Posey and Canadian John Cannon make their Formula One debuts. 29 drivers have entered and qualified.

Milestones

This is the 100th Grand Prix start for Brabham as a constructor. Joakim Bonnier, a Grand Prix winner and veteran of over 100 races, starts what will be his final Formula One Grand Prix.

Practice

Friday practice was held in blazing heat — 105 °F (41 °C). Stewart led the timesheets with a lap of 1:42.844, recorded to a thousandth of a second for the first time. Saturday temperatures rose further to 110 °F, with Goodyear and Firestone qualifying tyres breaking down after a few laps in the extreme heat.