The Formula 1 season started out with two second places, a fourth, and three retirements for Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme.

Bruce McLaren was killed on 2 June 1970 at the Goodwood Circuit while testing the new M8D Can-Am car.

McLaren withdrew their entries to the Belgian Grand Prix, which was run five days after the fatal accident.

McLaren resumed racing at the Dutch Grand Prix, with Dan Gurney and Peter Gethin driving.

Peter Gethin started the 1971 season driving a 14A, while Denny Hulme raced the only 19A that had been built at that point.