Austrian Grand Prix 1971 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jo Siffert claimed a popular victory at the Austrian Grand Prix at the newly-opened Österreichring, the Swiss driver delivering a masterful performance to score BRM's first win since Pedro Rodriguez's triumph at Spa the previous year. Siffert controlled the race from the front on the fast, flowing Austrian circuit, holding off Emerson Fittipaldi's Lotus and Tim Schenken's Brabham. The victory provided an emotional boost for BRM following the devastating loss of Rodriguez six weeks earlier in a sports car accident.

The race at the spectacular Österreichring, set in the Styrian mountains, showcased Siffert's exceptional talent and BRM's competitive P160 chassis. Starting from pole position, the 35-year-old Swiss driver built an early lead and managed it brilliantly throughout the race, never allowing Fittipaldi or Schenken to mount a serious challenge. His smooth, calculated driving style was perfectly suited to the high-speed layout, where precision and bravery through the fast corners made the difference.

Fittipaldi's second place continued his consistent scoring for Lotus, while Schenken claimed his first career podium for Brabham in an excellent result. With Jackie Stewart having already clinched the championship, the Austrian race provided an opportunity for other drivers to shine, and Siffert seized his chance brilliantly. Tragically, this would prove to be Siffert's final Formula 1 victory - he would lose his life just two months later in a fiery crash at a non-championship race at Brands Hatch in October, another devastating loss for a sport still grappling with inadequate safety standards.