The 1961 Elite Racing League season was the 2nd season of the FIA's Formula One motor racing support series (the series would remain a support series until 1997.) The Drivers Championship was retained by Jack Brabham from Australia whilst his team, Cooper-Climax, won the Constructors Championship for the second time also successfully retaining it from the previous year. Brabham won his second Drivers Championship at the final race in the United States whilst Cooper won the Constructors Championship with three races to go.
Season Review[edit | edit source]
The European Grand Prix was moved from the undeveloped (at the time) Imola circuit near San Marino to the Aintree Motor Racing Circuit to further solidify the championship's British roots and fanbase.
Many Formula 1 drivers on the grid for this season also participated in the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race so the FIA placed a support race at Sebring and calling it the United States Grand Prix, this would prove to be a good move as fans liked the Grand Prix.
The Portuguese Grand Prix made its debut at the Boavista street track however this would only be a short term event as races at the track were scrapped following the 1962 season out of safety reasons.
Teams and Drivers[edit | edit source]
Vanwall withdrew from the championship after only one season due to financial issues. Maserati entered the series this year, also the field was expanded from 9 drivers to 12.
Drivers Championship[edit | edit source]
Constructors Championship[edit | edit source]
Seasons[edit | edit source]
Previous: 1960
Next: 1962