Tim Schenken is one of only five Australian drivers to have stood on a podium step. His Formula One career began in 1970 when Frank Williams gave him a contract. He took part in four races for De Tomaso, leaving at the end of the season to join Brabham alongside Graham Hill. He achieved his only podium finish at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix and left the team at the end of the year because of his concern about the management ability of new Brabham boss Bernie Ecclestone. However, his new drive with Surtees proved to be a bad move and he only managed to finish half of the twelve races he started. He was then unable to secure a full-time drive and only started eight races over the next two seasons for three teams.