Stewart and Jenkinson clash over safety as Rindt wins at Clermont-Ferrand

Jochen Rindt’s 1970 Clermont-Ferrand victory came amid fierce debate on safety and looming tragedy.

Black‑and‑white photo of Jackie Stewart in Ford racing suit and flat cap, smiling in conversation at motorsport event, with crowd and hills in background.

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April 1, 2026

July 5, 1970

Clermont-Ferrand, France

Smiles here, but the reigning Formula 1 champion Jackie Stewart and Motor Sport’s continental correspondent Denis Jenkinson were embroiled in a bitter war of words at this time over the issue of driver safety. Stewart’s close friend Jochen Rindt won this race en route to the 1970 F1 title but would be dead within two months.