The F1 driver who uniquely won the championship after his death was Jochen Rindt.
The Unprecedented Posthumous Championship of Jochen Rindt
Karl Jochen Rindt, a German racing driver who represented Austria throughout his career, holds the unique distinction of being the only driver in Formula 1 history to be crowned World Drivers' Champion posthumously.
A Tragic Triumph in 1970
The historic and tragic event occurred during the 1970 Formula One World Championship season. Rindt was having an exceptional year, leading the championship standings with a commanding points advantage. However, his life was tragically cut short in a fatal crash during practice for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 5, 1970.
Despite his untimely death, the points Jochen Rindt had accumulated through his victories and strong finishes earlier in the season proved insurmountable for his competitors. No other driver managed to surpass his points total by the end of the championship, leading to him being declared the 1970 Formula One World Drivers' Champion after his passing. This unprecedented scenario enshrined his name in the annals of motorsport as a testament to his exceptional talent and the inherent dangers of the sport during that era.
To learn more about his life and career, you can visit the Jochen Rindt Wikipedia page.
