The results were overshadowed by a heavy hail storm from Lap 53, which caused three out of the top four cars (Jody Scheckter, James Hunt, and Mark Donohue), to aquaplane and crash in the same corner, bringing an early finish to the race, and a significant absence on the podium.

A number of other cars crashed at the same corner as well, including Wilson Fittipaldi, Jochen Mass, and John Watson.

A new chicane had been installed at Woodcote Corner, bringing complaints from the purists but also arguments that it was necessary in the interests of safety.

From the start – in which a lights system was being used for the first time in any Grand Prix, replacing the traditional national flag – Carlos Pace led from Pryce.

The win also vaulted Fittipaldi past Carlos Reutemann into second place in the championship, 14 points behind Lauda.