 |
| Mario Andretti |
Mario Andretti
Born: 28 February 1940, Montona, Italy
Grand Prix Starts: 128
Grand Prix Victories: 12
Points Total: 180
World Champion: 1978
Mario Andretti's record makes him America's greatest world champion. His family emigrated to the US when he was a teenager, and within a decade he had won a hat-trick of Indy Car titles. He made debut for Lotus at Watkins Glen in 1968, where he took pole. In 1969 Andretti appeared for the STP March team, with whom he scored his first points, finishing third at Jarama...
On joining Ferrari in 1971, he won first time out at Kyalami, but didn't concentrate on F1 full-time until 1975, with Parnelli. After a couple of indifferent seasons the team folded and he returned to Lotus. In the Lotus 78 Andretti drove to four victories in 1977 and third place in the championships. His performance continued to improve in 1978, winning six races; helped along the way by team-mate Ronnie Peterson, who acted as the perfect foil, following him home four times.
By the time they reached Monza, Lotus had the championship won, though either driver could have claimed the crown. Peterson was injured in a shunt and Andretti went on to win yet again. The title was his when the news came through that Peterson had died from complications.
Lotus lost its way over the next two years. Andretti's move to Alfa Romeo produced a disappointing 3 points. In 1982 he returned to Indy Cars, taking yet another title in 1984.