On this day in 1965 the first Formula 1 Grand Prix of the 1965 season was taking place in South Africa. John Surtees entered the new season as the reigning Driver’s Champion having won with Scuderia Ferrari, and would start the ’65 season driving for the Scuderia.
In qualifying, Jim Clark claimed pole position, driving for Team Lotus. Surtees qualified second and was almost a second off Clark’s pole position time.
The race itself was won by Clark ahead of Surtees and Graham Hill (BRM).
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Grand Prix saw Jackie Stewart make his official debut in Formula 1 with the BRM team. He qualified eleventh and managed to finish sixth, scoring his first Formula 1 world championship point.
Jim Clark dominated the race, leading every lap and claimed the fastest lap of the race. This, to go with his pole position and the eventual race victory, meant that the 1965 South African Grand Prix was his sixth Formula 1 Grand Slam.
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