Spinning at Monza

Denny Hulme spun his McLaren M23 while in third place at the 1973 Italian Formula One Grand Prix at Monza, and is attended by the marshals, while his competitors pass by at high speed (picture-above). The 1967 World Champion had qualified in third, behind pole man Peterson (Lotus) and teammate Revson (McLaren), but this spin meant retirement for the veteran from New-Zealand.

The 55-lap race was won by Ronnie Peterson driving a Lotus 72-Ford, with teammate Emerson Fittipaldi a close second and Peter Revson third in his Yardley McLaren M23-Ford. Jackie Stewart (Tyrrell) suffered a puncture early in the race which dropped him to 20th, but charged through the field to finish fourth, which was enough to secure his third (and final) Drivers’ Championship.

The race also saw Jacky Ickx’s last drive for Ferrari, the Belgian returning to the team for its home race having left after the British Grand Prix. Ickx qualified his 312B3 (picture-below) in 14th, well behind his teammate Merzario (8th), and finished eighth, a lap down on Peterson.