F1 British Grand Prix: 5 Best Moments at Silverstone

#3 Scheckter chaos

The opening lap collision during 1973 Britain GP

The 1973 British Grand Prix is known for the opening lap pile-up which forced 11 cars to retire off the race.

The accident’s cause was Jody Scheckter with his McLaren spun across the track at Woodcote Corner at the end of the first lap, which lead to the major collision.

Scheckter lost control at the last corner went on to hit the pit wall and bounced back into the middle of track causing the pile-up and restart of the race. The collision is considered to be F1’s largest ever accident, ended the F1 career of Andrea de Adamich, who was badly injured.

Jackie Stewart who had gained a good lead after a wonderful start moving to first from the fourth spot within half a lap ended up finishing tenth in the race after the restart.

The angry Grand Prix Driver’s Association wanted to punish the young South African whose rash driving was the root cause of this major accident, for which McLaren reacted by withdrawing Scheckter for the following four races.

This pile-up collision was the major factor for the addition of an extra chicane at the Woodcote corner to the original layout of Silverstone.