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Home / Series / BBC Documentaries / Aired Order / Season 2011 / Episode 71

Grand Prix: The Killer Years

In the 60s and early 70s it was common for Grand Prix drivers to be killed while racing, often televised for millions to see. Mechanical failure, lethal track design, fire and incompetence snuffed out dozens of young drivers. They had become almost expendable as eager young wannabes queued up at the top teams' gates waiting to take their place. This is the story of when Grand Prix was out of control. Featuring many famous drivers including three times world champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, twice world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and John Surtees OBE, this exciting but shocking film explores how Grand Prix drivers grew sick of their closest friends being killed and finally took control of their destiny. After much waste of life, the prestigious Belgian and German Grands Prix would be boycotted, with drivers insisting that safety be put first. But it would be a long and painful time before anything would change, and a lot of talented young men would be cut down in their prime. This is their story.

English
  • Originally Aired March 27, 2011
  • Runtime 60 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network BBC
  • Created September 29, 2016 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified September 29, 2016 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Richard Heap Director