39th, Jones Triumphs as Reutemann's Fateful Loss Gifts Piquet Championship Glory
For some, Carlos Reutemann represents the archetype of a Grand Prix driver. He looked the part, a moody, enigmatic figure who drifted in and out of focus through the 1970s and early ’80s with a languor that belied formidable talent and explosive speed.
Reutemann should be listed as the 19th man to claim an F1 world championship. That he isn’t only adds to his flawed magnificence, especially given the nature of his capitulation in Sin City, of all places.
The Las Vegas car park in which the ’81 championship came to a head was a shabby backdrop, perhaps suitably so for a stylish man who deserved better. Carlos arrived at the final race of the year with a slender one-point lead over ambitious Nelson Piquet, but that made it simple. Having already bagged a convincing pole, the Williams just had to finish ahead of the Brabham to claim the crown.