1979 Canadian Grand Prix

Previous race

Scheckter and Villeneuve finished first and second at Monza, with Regazzoni third. Scheckter claimed the Drivers’ Championship in the process, becoming the first South African to win the title. Ferrari also secured the Constructors’ Championship.

Championship standings

Jody Scheckter is the 1979 World Drivers’ Champion. Ferrari are the 1979 Constructors’ Champions. The remainder of the season is a contest for runner-up positions.

Between-race developments

Niki Lauda announced his retirement from Formula One during practice at the Circuit Île Notre-Dame. After completing a few laps in the all-new Brabham-Cosworth BT49 — the team having replaced their Alfa Romeo-powered BT48 — Lauda told the team he no longer wished to be a racing driver. Brabham boss Bernie Ecclestone has put Argentine newcomer Ricardo Zunino in the car as replacement.

The organizers refused to allow the Alfa Romeo factory team to participate unless they pre-qualified. The team declined. A compromise was eventually reached: Vittorio Brambilla will be allowed to compete, while Bruno Giacomelli has been refused an entry.

Entrants

Tyrrell runs a third car for Derek Daly. Fittipaldi enters a second car for Alex Ribeiro.

Milestones

This is the Formula One World Championship debut for Ricardo Zunino.