[2] It was expected the 12-cylinder cars would be dominant over the V8 Ford-Cosworths as Ferrari had won four out of the last five Grands Prix in 1970, and they had a strong line-up consisting of Mario Andretti, Clay Regazzoni and Jacky Ickx.

Jackie Stewart took pole in the Tyrrell to join Chris Amon and Regazzoni on the front row.

Emerson Fittipaldi managed to hold off Hulme until lap three when he dived through to chase the Ferraris.

Pedro Rodríguez was forced to retire from fourth place when his bodywork started to melt and the hot air began burning his feet.

Andretti took his first career victory, driving a Ferrari; his teammate Regazzoni finished in third place behind Stewart.