Race and classic pictures

When rookie Reutemann rocked the establishment

F1 legend Carlos Reutemann who sadly passed away on Wednesday at 79 enjoyed a spectacular entry onto the F1 scene in 1972.

For his F1 debut in Argentina, Reutemann was entrusted with a Brabham BT34 by team owner Bernie Ecclestone who logically felt that his new protégé's baptism of fire would perhaps be less difficult if it took place on a track he knew like the back of his hand.

While Reutemann did indeed have track knowledge - and a massive local support - as an advantage, Brabham's BT34 was anything put a front-running car.

But Reutemann made the most, and then some, of the machine's potential when he blitzed the field in qualifying and snatched pole, a feat that only the great Mario Andretti had achieved before him, at Watkins Glen in 1968.

As a measure of the moody Argentinean's remarkable accomplishment, Brabham teammate Graham Hill – arguably well in the twilight of his career – had only qualified 16th.

At the start, Reutemann was passed by future winner Jackie Stewart, but F1's sensational rookie might have given the Tyrrell driver a run for his money had Bernie not insisted on his new driver running Goodyear's softest compound that degraded in short order and forced the rookie into a lengthy pitstop and tyre change.

Reutemann only finished P7 and just outside the points in the Argentine GP in Buenos Aires. But the world of Formula 1 was put on notice.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

2 mins ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

15 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

16 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

18 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

19 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

21 hours ago