Dutch Grand Prix 1971 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jacky Ickx broke Jackie Stewart's winning streak with a commanding victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, leading home Pedro Rodriguez's BRM and Ferrari teammate Clay Regazzoni. The Belgian driver controlled the race from the front at the seaside Zandvoort circuit, Ferrari's 312B proving ideally suited to the fast, flowing layout. Rodriguez's second place demonstrated BRM's continuing competitiveness, while Regazzoni's third gave Ferrari a satisfying 1-3 finish.

The race at Zandvoort unfolded as a strategic battle, with Ickx building an early lead before managing his pace to preserve his tires and machinery. The Ferrari's powerful flat-12 engine provided crucial speed on the circuit's long straights, while Ickx's smooth driving style minimized tire wear through the challenging corners. Rodriguez pushed hard throughout, the brilliant Mexican showcasing the speed and determination that made him one of the era's most respected drivers, though he couldn't quite challenge Ickx for the lead.

Stewart's disappointing fifth-place finish allowed Ickx to close slightly in the championship standings, though the Tyrrell driver maintained a comfortable advantage. The result demonstrated that Ferrari remained capable of victories when conditions suited them, giving the tifosi hope for future races. Tragically, this would be Rodriguez's final podium finish - the 31-year-old would lose his life just one month later in a sports car race at Norisring, robbing motorsport of one of its greatest talents. The Dutch Grand Prix provided a temporary interruption to Stewart's march toward the championship, though Tyrrell's dominance would soon resume.