Formula 1 — 1979
1979 World Championship
15 Grands Prix
Drivers' Champion
Jody Scheckter
South African
1972 — 1980
1title
10wins
WDC
Constructors' Champion
Ferrari
Italian
1950 — 2026
16titles
251wins
WCC
F
Season Commentary · 1979
Race Calendar
| Rnd | Grand Prix | Circuit | Date | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Argentine GP Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez | Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez | 21 Jan 1979 | LaffiteLigier |
| 02 | Brazilian GP Autódromo José Carlos Pace | Autódromo José Carlos Pace | 4 Feb 1979 | LaffiteLigier |
| 03 | South African GP Kyalami | Kyalami | 3 Mar 1979 | VilleneuveFerrari |
| 04 | United States GP West Long Beach | Long Beach | 8 Apr 1979 | VilleneuveFerrari |
| 05 | Spanish GP Jarama | Jarama | 29 Apr 1979 | DepaillerLigier |
| 06 | Belgian GP Zolder | Zolder | 13 May 1979 | ScheckterFerrari |
| 07 | Monaco GP Circuit de Monaco | Circuit de Monaco | 27 May 1979 | ScheckterFerrari |
| 08 | French GP Dijon-Prenois | Dijon-Prenois | 1 Jul 1979 | JabouilleRenault |
| 09 | British GP Silverstone Circuit | Silverstone Circuit | 14 Jul 1979 | RegazzoniWilliams |
| 10 | German GP Hockenheimring | Hockenheimring | 29 Jul 1979 | JonesWilliams |
| 11 | Austrian GP Red Bull Ring | Red Bull Ring | 12 Aug 1979 | JonesWilliams |
| 12 | Dutch GP Circuit Park Zandvoort | Circuit Park Zandvoort | 26 Aug 1979 | JonesWilliams |
| 13 | Italian GP Autodromo Nazionale di Monza | Autodromo Nazionale di Monza | 9 Sept 1979 | ScheckterFerrari |
| 14 | Canadian GP Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | Circuit Gilles Villeneuve | 30 Sept 1979 | JonesWilliams |
| 15 | United States GP Watkins Glen | Watkins Glen | 7 Oct 1979 | VilleneuveFerrari |
| P | Driver | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 3 | ||
| 2 | 47 | 3 | |
| 3 | 40 | 4 | |
| 4 | 36 | 2 | |
| 5 | 29 | 1 | |
| 6 | 20 | 1 | |
| 7 | 20 | 0 | |
| 8 | 17 | 0 | |
| 9 | 15 | 0 | |
| 10 | 14 | 0 | |
| 11 | 14 | 0 | |
| 12 | 14 | 0 | |
| 13 | 9 | 1 | |
| 14 | 4 | 0 | |
| 15 | 3 | 0 | |
| 16 | 3 | 0 | |
| 17 | 3 | 0 | |
| 18 | 3 | 0 | |
| 19 | 2 | 0 | |
| 20 | 2 | 0 |
Data via Jolpica/Ergast · Telemetry not available
A Champion Crowned: The 1979 Formula 1 Season Retrospective
The 1979 Formula 1 World Championship etched itself into the annals of motorsport history as a season of definitive triumph for Jody Scheckter and the legendary Scuderia Ferrari. Across 15 demanding races, the championship narrative unfolded, culminating in a memorable victory that saw Scheckter secure the coveted Drivers' title with a total of 51 points. This was a season where the synergy between driver and machine, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, truly shone through.
The Championship Battle
Jody Scheckter's journey to the pinnacle of Formula 1 in 1979 was a testament to his skill and consistency. Amassing 51 points over the course of the season, he stood as the undisputed champion, a performance that underscored his mastery of the era's challenging machinery. His individual success was inextricably linked to the formidable strength of his team, Ferrari. The Italian giants not only propelled Scheckter to his Drivers' Championship but also dominated the Constructors' standings, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in the sport. Their dual triumph highlighted a season where Ferrari's engineering prowess and strategic acumen were simply unmatched.
The Season's Journey
The 1979 season commenced with the traditional roar of engines at the Argentine Grand Prix, setting the stage for what would be a thrilling campaign. From the vibrant energy of the season opener, the Formula 1 circus traversed continents, bringing high-octane racing to fans worldwide. The culmination of this intense 15-race calendar arrived with the United States Grand Prix, a fitting finale that brought the curtain down on a year of fierce competition and ultimate glory for Scheckter and Ferrari. Each race, a chapter in itself, contributed to the grand narrative of a champion forged and a constructor's legacy reinforced.
A Legacy Etched in Time
The 1979 Formula 1 season will forever be remembered as the year Jody Scheckter claimed his World Championship, a remarkable achievement cemented by 51 hard-won points. It was also the year Ferrari asserted its dominance unequivocally, securing both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles. This dual victory underscored a period of significant achievement for the Maranello outfit, marking 1979 as a golden chapter in their illustrious history and a defining moment for Scheckter's career.