Jochen Rindt won the first race of the season in the Lotus 49C; the following GP saw the introduction of the new wedge shaped Lotus 72. Once the Gold Leaf model had bedded down he won a further 4 races. Sadly Jochen Rindt was killed in practice for the Italian GP at Monza on 5 Sep 70; despite not competing in the last 4 races he became the World Champion, posthumously awarded.

Emmerson Fittipaldi won his home GP at Watkins Glen in the 72C, helping Lotus to win the Constructors' Championship. Jackie Stewart led for most laps in the season, with a combination of March and Tyrrell drives, but only managed one victory. The Ferrari 312B, driven by Jacky Ickx and Clay Regazzoni, achieved 5 pole positions and 4 wins in 1970. On today's rules Ferrari would have taken the Constructors' title.