With Franco Colapinto joining Williams for the remaining part of the 2024 season, Argentina has produced a total of 26 F1 drivers over the years, but none more experienced than Carlos Reutemann. While Juan Manuel Fangio remains the most successful Argentinian in F1 history with 5 world championships, Reutemann started in the most Grand Prix races (146) and scored the most championship points (298) of any driver from his country.
Carlos Reutemann Debuts In F1
Carlos Reutemann began racing touring cars and Formula 2 in Argentina in the late 1960s before moving to Europe in 1970. He quickly made an impression by finishing runner-up to Ronnie Peterson in the 1971 European Formula Two Championship while driving for Motul Rondel Racing.
This caught the attention of Brabham boss Bernie Ecclestone, who signed Reutemann to partner Graham Hill for the 1972 F1 season. In his very first Grand Prix on home soil in Buenos Aires, Reutemann stunned the paddock by taking pole position in his Brabham. He eventually finished 7th in the race, scoring his first championship points.
Brabham Years
Over the next few seasons with Brabham, Carlos Reutemann showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. He took his first Grand Prix wins in 1974 at Kyalami and the Osterreichring, following those up with a victory at the infamous 14-mile long Nurburgring circuit in 1975. However, he was generally outperformed by Brazilian teammate Carlos Pace during this period.
After a dismal 1976 season running unsuccessful Alfa Romeo engines, Reutemann decided to leave Brabham for Ferrari in 1977. This turned out to be a controversial move as he was initially signed as an injury replacement for Niki Lauda, only for Lauda to make a miraculous recovery and return to race for the Scuderia that very season.
Ferrari and Lotus Years
Partnered with Lauda, Carlos Reutemann struggled with the politics and mind games at Ferrari. He managed just a single win in 1977, but stepped up as team leader the following year after Lauda departed. Reutemann responded with 4 wins and a 3rd place championship finish in 1978, though he was generally outpaced by young teammate Gilles Villeneuve.
Seeking the latest technological innovations, Reutemann made the surprise switch from Ferrari to Lotus for 1979. However, the Lotus 80 proved to be a failure and Reutemann failed to win a race all season. His relationship with Lotus boss Colin Chapman soured rapidly, leading the Argentinian to quit after just one year.
Joining Williams
For the 1980 season, Carlos Reutemann was signed by Frank Williams to partner incumbent driver and defending world champion Alan Jones. Though Jones clearly held number one status, Reutemann managed to score a popular victory at Monaco and finished 3rd in the championship.
As tensions escalated between the two Williams drivers the following year, Carlos Reutemann took the upper hand by mid-season. He scored dominant wins in Brazil and Belgium to take a 17 point championship lead. However, Reutemann then seemed to lose motivation and scored minimal points in the last 6 races. Ultimately he lost the title to Nelson Piquet by just 1 point, despite having the faster car all season.
Abrupt Retirement and Legacy
Carlos Reutemann continued with Williams into 1982 but abruptly quit after the Brazilian Grand Prix that year, apparently as political tensions rose between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands War. Though he remained competitive, his sudden retirement capped off an enigmatic career that never fully realized its vast potential.
During his F1 career, Reutemann demonstrated flashes of brilliance – but also puzzling loss of form, political miscalculations, and unusual relationships with numerous teams and teammates. While history will perhaps judge him harshly for failing to secure a world championship, his 12 Grand Prix wins and lengthy career leaves Reutemann as the most prolific Argentinian driver the sport has ever seen.
Post-F1 Career
After retiring from racing, Carlos Reutemann embarked on a successful political career in his native province of Santa Fe. He served two terms as Governor of Santa Fe and was later elected as a Senator, a position he held until his death in 2021 at the age of 79.
Carlos Reutemann thus became an iconic racing driver turned political figure. While the unfulfilled promise of his driving career will always be pondered, his longevity and fighting spirit make him an integral – if complex – part of both Argentinian motorsport and political history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many races did Reutemann start in F1?
Reutemann started 146 Grand Prix races during his F1 career, the most by any Argentinian driver.
How many races did Reutemann win?
Reutemann won 12 races over the course of his 11 season F1 career from 1972-1982.
Who was Reutemann’s main rival?
Nelson Piquet was Reutemann’s chief rival in 1981 while driving for the Brabham team. Piquet beat Reutemann to that year’s world championship by just 1 point.
Why did Reutemann retire unexpectedly in 1982?
Reutemann retired abruptly after the 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix, as political tensions rose between the UK and Argentina over the Falklands War while he was driving for the British Williams team.
What did Reutemann do after retiring from F1?
After retiring from racing, Reutemann had a successful political career in Argentina. He served two terms as Governor of Santa Fe and later became a Senator, serving until his death in 2021.
