Complete calendar with 14 races
The 1975 Formula 1 season marked Ferrari's triumphant return to championship glory after an 11-year drought, as Niki Lauda claimed his first World Championship with clinical precision while driving the revolutionary Ferrari 312T. The Austrian's five victories and nine pole positions from 14 races represented a dominant performance that established him as the sport's premier driver and ended Ferrari's longest title famine since their Formula 1 debut.
Lauda's partnership with Ferrari, which had begun promisingly in 1974, reached full fruition with the introduction of Mauro Forghieri's 312T - the 'T' denoting its innovative transverse gearbox layout that improved weight distribution and handling. The elegant red machine made its debut at the season's fourth round in Monaco and immediately demonstrated its superiority, with Lauda reeling off victories in Monaco, Belgium, Sweden, France, and the United States. His methodical approach to racing, combined with exceptional technical feedback that helped develop the car throughout the season, created an unstoppable combination.
The championship was sealed at Monza with a third-place finish, as teammate Clay Regazzoni won the Italian Grand Prix to complete Ferrari's perfect homecoming. Lauda's first title came at just 26 years old, and his 64.5 championship points represented a commanding margin over runner-up Emerson Fittipaldi's 45 points. More significantly, Ferrari claimed their first Constructors' Championship since 1964, the Scuderia's 72.5 points testament to both Lauda and Regazzoni's consistent point scoring throughout the season.
Emerson Fittipaldi endured a frustrating defense of his championship as McLaren struggled to maintain their 1974 form. The Brazilian managed just two victories - in Argentina and Britain - but found himself increasingly outpaced by the superior Ferrari package. Fittipaldi's smooth driving style and tactical intelligence kept him in contention for much of the season, but the 312T's technical superiority proved insurmountable. His runner-up finish would be his final championship challenge, as he would controversially leave McLaren for his brother's Fittipaldi Automotive team in 1976.
Carlos Reutemann emerged as Fittipaldi's closest challenger for much of the season, the Argentine claiming his first victory of the year in Germany for Brabham. Reutemann's consistent points scoring and race-winning capability established him as championship material, finishing third in the standings with 37 points. His performances throughout the season demonstrated that Brabham remained a competitive force capable of challenging the established front-runners.
James Hunt continued his ascent with Hesketh Racing, claiming his second career victory at Zandvoort and establishing himself as one of the grid's most exciting talents. The British playboy's aggressive driving style and natural speed made him a fan favorite, though Hesketh's independent status and limited budget would eventually force Hunt to seek opportunities elsewhere. His performances in 1975 attracted McLaren's attention, setting up his sensational move for 1976.
Jody Scheckter scored victories in South Africa and Sweden for Tyrrell, while teammate Patrick Depailler took his maiden win at Monaco, demonstrating the French team's continued competitiveness despite losing their championship-winning edge. Graham Hill's tragic death in a plane crash while returning from testing at Paul Ricard in November shocked the motorsport world, claiming the life of the two-time World Champion along with five members of his Embassy Hill team. Hill's death marked the loss of one of Formula 1's most beloved figures and safety advocates.
Mario Andretti scored his breakthrough victory at Sweden for Parnelli, though the American team's Formula 1 venture would prove short-lived despite showing occasional flashes of competitiveness. Vittorio Brambilla claimed his only career victory in Austria during a rain-shortened race, crossing the line first before immediately crashing in celebration - a moment that epitomized the Italian's wild and unpredictable driving style.
The season's 14 races across four continents showcased Formula 1's growing global reach, with the championship visiting traditional European venues alongside emerging markets in South America and the United States. Lauda's dominant championship, secured with three races remaining, established Ferrari as the benchmark and set the stage for one of the most dramatic seasons in motorsport history. The 312T would prove to be one of the most successful Formula 1 designs of the decade, winning back-to-back championships and establishing Lauda as a future legend of the sport.