Jochen Rindt became Formula 1’s only posthumous World Drivers’ Champion by winning the 1970 title.
Rindt drove for Team Lotus and built a substantial points lead through victories in Monaco, the Netherlands, France and Great Britain. He died during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 5 September 1970, after a crash at the Parabolica corner.
Rindt had accumulated enough points before his death to remain ahead of his closest rival, Jacky Ickx, when the season ended. Ickx won the final two races but could not overtake Rindt in the standings. Rindt was therefore officially crowned champion after the season concluded.
His title remains unique because no other Formula 1 driver has won the World Drivers’ Championship after dying during that championship season. Rindt’s Lotus teammate Emerson Fittipaldi won the United States Grand Prix, helping preserve Rindt’s championship lead.