On this day in 1983, John Watson delivered one of the most remarkable victories in Formula 1 history, winning the US GP West at Long Beach for McLaren after starting from a distant 22nd on the grid.
Watson and teammate Niki Lauda had struggled in qualifying, with McLaren unable to find the right tyre and chassis combination.
However, shortly before the race, Watson opted for the same tyre compound he had used in Detroit the previous year—a decision that had helped him win from 17th on the grid.
"After a dismal practice, Michelin were as perplexed as we were," Watson later recalled. "So I decided to take a gamble and try the tyre compound … and it worked."
It was a truly stunning performance from a determined driver at the peak of his abilities, fully confident in the package beneath him.
For good measure, Lauda, who had started even further back in 23rd, secured second place despite battling leg cramps in the closing stages.
©TheCahierArchive
