Italian Grand Prix 1979 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jody Scheckter secured the World Championship at the Italian Grand Prix, leading home Gilles Villeneuve for a perfect Ferrari one-two at Monza that clinched both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles. The South African drove a mature, calculated race to claim his third victory of the season and first World Championship, while Villeneuve honored team orders to hold station behind his teammate. The Ferrari one-two on home soil triggered scenes of jubilation among the Tifosi, who celebrated their first Drivers' Championship since 1975.

Villeneuve's selfless support proved crucial to Scheckter's title triumph, with the French-Canadian accepting second place without complaint to ensure Ferrari's championship success. Villeneuve's willingness to subordinate his own ambitions for the team's benefit exemplified his loyalty and professionalism, though many felt his raw speed deserved to be fighting for the title on merit. Clay Regazzoni claimed third place for Williams, with the veteran Swiss driver delivering consistent results throughout the season. Alan Jones could only manage eighth after dominating the previous three races, his championship challenge coming too late.

Scheckter's championship represented a triumph of tactical intelligence and consistency over raw speed, with the South African maximizing points when circumstances allowed while avoiding the errors that plagued faster rivals. His three victories - Belgium, Monaco, and Italy - combined with relentless points scoring delivered the title by four points over Villeneuve. Ferrari's championship success marked their last Drivers' title until Michael Schumacher's 2000 triumph, making Scheckter both the Scuderia's most recent champion of the 20th century and the last South African to win the World Championship. The victory vindicated Ferrari's decision to pair the calculating Scheckter with the spectacular Villeneuve, creating a partnership that delivered both championships.