The Crittenden Automotive Library

Untitled Letter from Jochen Rindt to Colin Chapman

From: Jochen Rindt
9 May 1969

Mr
Colin Chapman
Howard Johnson Motor Lodge
Indianapolis

Dear Colin,

I just got back to Geneva and I am going to have a second opinion on the state of my head tomorrow. Personally I feel very weak and ill, I still have to lay down most of the day. After seeing the new Doktor and hearing his opinion we can make a final decision on Monaco and Indy.

I got hold of this incredibly picture which pretty much explains the accident, I didn't know it would fly that high. Robin Herd apparently saw the wing go, but could not see the accident, since it happened around the corner.

Now to the whole situation, Colin, I have been racing F I for 5 years and I have made one mistake ( I rammed Chris Amon in Clermont Ferrand ) and I had one accident in Zandvoort due to gear selektion failure otherwise I managed to stay out of trouble. This situation changed rapidly since I joined your team, Levin, Eifelrace F II wishbones and now Barcelona.

Honestly your cars are so quick that we would still be competitive with a few extra pounds used to make the weakest parts stronger, on top of that I think you ought to spend some time checking what your different employes are doing, I sure the wishbone on the F II car would have looked different. Please give my suggestions some thought, I can only drive a car in which I have some confidence, and I feel the point of no confidence is quite near.

Best regards

Untitled Letter from Jochen Rindt to Colin Chapman