Carlos Reutemann has passed away
Runner-up in the 1981 World Championship, Carlos Reutemann passed away this Wednesday, July 7, in Santa Fe. The Argentine had driven for the biggest teams in Formula 1 between 1972 and 1982. He was 79 years old.
He left to join Niki Lauda, James Hunt, Jim Clark, Ayrton Senna, and many others. This Wednesday, the former F1 driver, Carlos Reutemann, passed away at the Santa Fe hospital. The Argentine had been hospitalized for several days, and his condition had worsened a few hours before his death.
On Twitter, his daughter Cora posted a message where she indicates, « Dad passed away peacefully and with dignity after fighting like a champion with a strong and noble heart that accompanied him until the end. I am proud and blessed for the father I had. I know he will be with me every day of my life until we meet again in the house of the Lord.”
In recent weeks, the health of the 1981 vice world champion had deteriorated sharply. The Argentine had suffered several intestinal hemorrhages since May, as well as kidney problems. After a brief return home, the man with 12 victories in F1 had a relapse and had to be hospitalized in intensive care at the end of June.
Carlos Reutemann was one of the most talented drivers of the 70s and 80s. Having been with Brabham, Ferrari, Lotus, and Williams, he won 12 times, stood on the podium 45 times in a total of 146 races. The Argentine had his best season in 1981, with Frank Williams’ team, where he finished runner-up in the World Championship, one point behind Nelson Piquet.
In his book, Enzo Ferrari considered him as a talented driver with excellent skills and capable of solving difficult situations.
After ending his career as an F1 driver, the Argentine tried his hand at the WRC, finishing twice on the podium in his home country, before completely stopping his career to focus on politics. Reutemann served two terms as governor in the province of Santa Fe before becoming a senator.
