For the first – and thus far – only time in Formula One history, three British drivers went into the last race with a chance of winning the championship. 1962 World Champion Hill, who had the chance of winning his second world championship in three years, was going into the final round of the season with a five-point-lead over Surtees, with Clark a further four points behind in third. Hill was in the strongest position amongst the three contenders as he only needed a second place to win the title. Surtees had the opportunity to become both Formula One World Champion for the very first time and the third different British World Drivers' Champion consecutively, whilst Clark would have been able to successfully defend his title, becoming the first driver since
Jack Brabham in 1960 to do so. The championship would have been won by either of the top three drivers in the following manner: In another first, three constructors were fighting for the championship: • Ferrari (43pts) needed either: • 1st • 2nd, with the top BRM 3rd or lower • Any result, with the top Lotus-Climax 2nd or lower and the top BRM in 3rd or lower • BRM (42pts) needed: • 1st • Lotus-Climax (37pts) needed: • 1st, with the top Ferrari 3rd or lower == Classification ==