United States Grand Prix 1971 - Race Schedule and Countdown

François Cevert claimed his maiden Grand Prix victory with a masterful performance at the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, the charismatic Frenchman becoming only the second French driver to win a Formula 1 race. Cevert controlled the final stages of the race after championship-winning teammate Jackie Stewart suffered a puncture, holding off Jo Siffert's BRM and Ronnie Peterson's March to take an emotional victory. The win confirmed Cevert as a star in his own right and provided a perfect end to Tyrrell's dominant season.

The race at Watkins Glen's fast, flowing circuit initially saw Stewart leading comfortably before a punctured tire forced an unscheduled pit stop, handing the lead to his young protégé. Cevert drove with maturity and precision to maintain his advantage, resisting pressure from the experienced Siffert in the closing laps. The 27-year-old's smooth, controlled performance demonstrated he had learned well from Stewart's tutelage and possessed the talent to become a future World Champion. His victory delighted the crowd and provided a glimpse of Tyrrell's future beyond Stewart's planned retirement.

Siffert's second place was another strong result for BRM, while Peterson's third place secured the Swedish star's runner-up position in the championship standings with 33 points. Cevert's victory capped a remarkable season for Tyrrell, who had won seven of eleven races and claimed the Constructors' Championship with 73 points. The season finale also marked a poignant moment as the sport paid tribute to the late Jochen Rindt, whose memorial service had been held earlier that week. For Cevert, the Watkins Glen victory represented the fulfillment of immense promise, though tragedy would later prevent him from achieving his full potential.