Brambilla Won, Raised His Arms… and Hit the Wall: The Chaotic Austrian 1975 GP Revisited

The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix at the Österreichring remains one of the most dramatic, tragic, and chaotic races in Formula One history — a weekend defined as much by loss as by unexpected glory. On the warm Sunday of 17 August 1975, some 140,000 spectators filled the high-speed Styrian circuit, eager for another thrilling chapter in the 1975 World Championship. But long before the lights went out, tragedy struck. During the morning warm-up session, American driver Mark Donohue suffered a catastrophic crash when a front tyre failed at high speed in the Vöest-Hügel corner. His Penske-run March hurtled through catch fencing and advertising hoardings, striking track marshal Manfred Schaller, who was killed instantly, and injuring another official. Donohue survived the initial impact but suffered severe brain trauma and died two days later, casting a dark shadow over the race weekend.

Despite the shocking accident that claimed both Donohue and a marshal, teams and drivers returned focus to the Grand Prix itself. As clouds gathered and thunder rolled over Spielberg, race officials postponed the start to allow last-minute tyre changes and to assess rapidly changing conditions. Heavy rain soon swept across the circuit well before the green light, flooding the Österreichring and forcing every one of the 26 starters to begin on wet tyres.

Pole-sitter Niki Lauda led the field into the storm, trailed by James Hunt and Patrick Depailler, the latter having charged from a low grid position. Within the spray, early retirements and off-track excursions, such as Mario Andretti’s spin after hitting a puddle, demonstrated just how treacherous the track had become. As the rain briefly eased, crews gambled on slick tyres, but the surface remained inconsistent — a continual chess match of strategy and survival.

Amid the chaos, Lauda’s Ferrari struggled for grip, and Hunt capitalized to take the lead mid-race. But it was Vittorio Brambilla, the feisty Italian driving a March 751, who would define the day. Brambilla, adept in wet conditions, charged through the field — his racecraft slicing through spray and spray-blinded rivals — and by lap 19 he had reached the front after a bold overtaking move. As the downpour intensified, so did Brambilla’s gap to his competitors.

With weather worsening and visibility peril low, race control made the controversial decision to end the Grand Prix after 29 of the scheduled 54 laps, awarding half points due to the shortened distance. Brambilla crossed the line to claim the first and only victory of his Formula One career, a stunning underdog triumph that capped the distress of the weekend. In a moment of pure emotion, he celebrated with his hands raised — only to lose control and spin into the barriers immediately after the finish line, damaging his March before completing a memorable victory lap.

Behind him, Hunt took second, while Tom Pryce secured third, marking one of the most remarkable podiums in the sport’s wet weather lore. Among those battling the storm were Lauda, Regazzoni, Peterson and others who all fought for control against wind and water, many crossing the line soaked, exhausted and exhilarated.

Wreckage of Mark Donohue’s car after the fatal 1975 crash — Photo: Social media / reproduction

Brambilla's March 751 - Photo: Social media / reproduction