1974 Formula 1.5 Season

The 1974 Formula 1.5 season was the 25th season of the Formula 1.5 World Championship. James Hunt delivered on the promise he'd shown in 1973 and claimed the World Drivers' Championship with 46 points. Mathematically he was tied for the title by countryman John Watson, but James snatched victory via countback with four wins to one. This is to date the only time the WDC has seen a tie for the top spot. March won their second World Constructors' Championship with 52 points, in one of F1.5's most competitive title fights - 12 points separating the top 6 teams.

Jean-Pierre Beltoise for much of the season looked odds on favourite to finally take the championship he’d come so close to twice before. Mid season however, reliability problems would strike his BRM and allow a rookie John Watson to chip away at JP’s lead. Heading into the final round the veteran still held a slim lead, but it was very slim - a single point. James Hunt had also just about worked his way into title contention with three wins, though he had to win again at Watkins Glen or finish second with the other two scoring little to no points.

In qualifying, disaster struck for Beltoise as he and Andretti collided, putting the Frenchman out for the rest of the weekend. A bad way to end a championship campaign - and a career - that looked so full of promise. He still could be crowned champion if Hunt and Watson had bad races, but he was relying on sheer luck at this point. One thing that was aiding Beltoise’s chances, countback would swing his way in any tie scenario….

Hunt did what he needed to and grabbed pole with Watson also showing well, qualifying third. At the race start, Hunt made a good one and held his lead comfortably. It’d stay that way for much of the race as he ran mostly untroubled out in front, in the later stages though his brakes were fading. This allowed Watson and the flying Merzario to close up a little, however on lap 43 the Italian would suffer electrical problems and have to retire. This left Hunt leading Watson, with the pair of them miles ahead of everyone else. If they finished like this, they’d tie on points with Hunt taking the title on countback. The Ulsterman would try his best to close on the ailing Hesketh but ultimately had too much of a deficit to overcome, the gap between them at the chequered flag, fifteen seconds.

As one rookie lost out on the championship, another one unfortunately lost his life. On lap nine of the U.S Grand Prix, Helmuth Koinigg’s Surtees suffered suspension failure and pitched head-on into an armco barrier. He’d decelerated fairly heavily before the incident and should’ve come out ok, but the armco was incorrectly installed and the car slid under it in one of F1’s most gruesome incidents. Earlier in the year, F1 race winner Peter Revson, also lost his life whilst testing his Shadow in South Africa. Revson had taken pole in both South American rounds and was looking to have a good season before rumouredly leading Penske’s budding F1 effort in 1975.

## Entries

### Excluded Teams

* John Player Team Lotus, Elf Team Tyrrell, Marlboro / Yardley Team McLaren, Motor Racing Developments, and Scuderia Ferrari SpA SEFAC

## Results & standings

### World Drivers' Championship standings

Points were awarded on a 9–6–4–3–2–1 basis to the first six finishers at each Grand Prix. Only the seven best results from the first eight races and the six best from the last seven were retained.

Legend: **Bold** = Pole Position; Italics = Fastest Lap

### World Constructors' Championship standings

Points were awarded on a 9–6–4–3–2–1 basis to the first six finishers at each round, however only the best placed car from each manufacturer was eligible to score points. The seven best results from the first eight races and the six best from the last seven were retained.