Jody Scheckter won the 1979 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, giving South Africa its only drivers’ title.
Scheckter drove for Ferrari in 1979 and won three Grands Prix: Belgium, Monaco, and Italy. His consistency was as important as his victories, and he finished ahead of teammate Gilles Villeneuve in the championship standings.
The title made Scheckter the first and, so far, only South African Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion. His older brother Ian Scheckter also raced in Formula 1, which can cause confusion when identifying the champion. Jody was the more successful brother and competed in 112 World Championship Grands Prix.
Scheckter retired from Formula 1 after the 1980 season. Ferrari’s 1979 constructors’ championship also reflected the strength of its driver pairing and the team’s 312T4 car.