SEASON 1978 IN FORMULA 1: Goodbye Nicky

SEASON 1978 IN FORMULA 1: Goodbye Nicky

The rivalry between Niki Lauda and Mario Andretti from the 1977 season carried over into the next. After, in the 30th edition of the World Car Championship, the Austrian won for the second time the world title by number of points, but not by the number of races won, Mario Andretti remained third. They have scores to settle. Alas, the rules are clear and with more podiums Lauda is back on top.

In 1978, the driver of Lotus Ford demonstrated an exceptional mentality and, although he was considered an outsider in this rivalry, he presented the sensation. After winning 6 of the 16 starts on the calendar, Andretti won his first world title. To this day, the American is the last pilot from the United States of America to triumph in Formula 1.

Already a symbol of success, Niki Lauda recorded a disappointing performance that left him fourth, far from a chance to fight for a third world title. The Austrian never managed to find the right rhythm with his new Brabham Alfa Romeo team in the 1978 season. The Swede Ronnie Peterson returns to his strong years and remains second, and the trio is completed by Carlos Rüttmann.

Among the constructors, Ferrari failed to defend their title and lost to the undisputed best of the season, Lotus Ford. The Italians finish the year second, followed by the Brabham-Alfa Romeo team, which nevertheless derives a positive from the attraction of two-time world champion Lauda.

.