In 1961 the formula was changed from a 2.5 litre specification to a 1.5 litre specification. Lotus and Cooper had to use a 4 year old engine, but Ferrari had developed a new mid-engined car, the 156 Sharknose and a new V6 engine. As a result Ferrari dominated the season and Phil Hill took the drivers championship. Wolfgang von Tripps was second in the drivers championshipbut was killed in an accident on the banked Monza circuit. Innes Ireland won at Watkins Glen to give the Lotus team their first F1 race win. Tony Brooks retired at the end of the season.
Drivers Championship
Championship position: 1
Driver: Phil Hill
Team: Ferrari
Points: 34
Race wins: 2
Pole positions: 5
Championship position: 2
Driver: Wolfgang von Tripps
Team: Ferrari
Points: 33
Race wins: 2
Pole positions: 1