Belgian Grand Prix 1968 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Bruce McLaren scored his team's maiden Formula 1 victory at Spa-Francorchamps, a triumph that validated years of development work and established McLaren as a serious constructor. The New Zealander drove a measured race through the treacherous Ardennes forest circuit, surviving terrible weather conditions and a race marred by Jackie Stewart's horrifying accident. McLaren's victory represented a personal and professional milestone, proving that a driver could successfully build and race his own cars at the highest level of motorsport. The win at one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar underlined the quality of the McLaren M7A-Ford package.

The race became infamous for Stewart's terrifying crash when his BRM left the road at high speed and became trapped upside down in a ditch filled with fuel. The Scot was stuck in the wreckage with a broken rib, surrounded by gasoline, unable to escape without help from Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant who stopped to assist. The incident, which saw Stewart nearly drown in fuel while rescuing marshals struggled to find tools to extract him, became a defining moment in his campaign to improve safety standards. Stewart's near-death experience at Spa convinced him that Formula 1's casual acceptance of driver fatalities had to change, launching his influential crusade for better safety equipment, medical facilities, and circuit design.

Pedro Rodriguez finished second for BRM, demonstrating the Mexican driver's exceptional wet-weather skills in the challenging conditions. Jacky Ickx claimed third place for Ferrari in only his third Grand Prix start, announcing his arrival as a future star with a mature drive through the treacherous conditions. McLaren's victory came despite the race's dangerous circumstances, with multiple accidents underlining the fearsome nature of the old Spa circuit. The triumph provided McLaren Racing with its first World Championship win, establishing Bruce McLaren's legacy as both a great driver and a visionary team owner who would create one of Formula 1's most enduring organizations.