Karl Jochen Rindt was a German racing driver who represented Austria throughout his career. He was also the only posthumous winner of the Fromula One World Drivers’ Championship (after being killed in practice for the Italian Grand Prix). Away from Formula One, Rindt was highly successful in other single-seater formulas, as well as sport car racing.
Education
Jochen Rindt was born in Germany, but after his wealthy parents had been killed in a bombing raid in Hamburg during the Second World War, he was raised by his grandparents in Granz, Austria. Because of his rebellious streak he was expelled from several private schools and his grandparents (his grandfather was a prominent lawyer) despaired for his future.
Career
Although Rindt never became an Austrian citizen, he did drive his entire career under an Austrian racing licence.
Rindt was noted for being an exceptionally fast driver with superb car control and reflexes, but rarely had a car equal to his talent until 1969 when he moved to Lotus and his career took off.
During the practice for the 1970 Italian Grand Prix in Monza Jochen Rind was killed in a car crash. By the time of his death, Rindt had won five of that year's ten Grands Prix, his rival Jacky Ickx could not overcome him. Rindt became motor racing's only posthumous World Champion. The trophy was presented to his widow Nina Rindt, nee Lincoln. It was later revealed that Jochen had already promised Nina he would retire from F1 if he won the world championship.