P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Grands Prix in January and February used to be rather common in F1 – with one such event leading to an all-time record being broken in a great’s final race.
During the 1960s in Formula 1, races were held throughout the year, including during the Christmas and New Year period. The South African Grand Prix debuted in December 1962, and in 1965 and 1968, the season-opener took place on New Year’s Day. Jim Clark won both of these races in his Lotus, with his 1968 win being particularly significant as it marked his 25th World Championship Grand Prix win, surpassing Juan Manuel Fangio’s record. Clark also set records for most races led, most poles, and most points. However, tragically, Clark died in a Formula 2 race in April 1968, leaving his benchmark at 25 World Championship Grand Prix wins.
