In the 1970 season, Jochen Rindt won five races of ten races with this car. During qualifications for the Italian Grand Prix, a part failure sent him into the guardrail. Rindt had a preference for not using the crotch strap on his five point harness so that he could exit the car quickly in a fire. On impact, he slid under the belts and his throat was cut. He was crowned posthumous F1 World Champion after Mexico three races later.