1981 F1 season: Piquet's first of three

1981 F1 season: Piquet's first of three

After in 1980 Williams-Ford sends its most successful season, the British team embarks with new forces and ambition for even greater triumphs. Against this background, a future legend appears in Formula 1. Bernie Ecclestone acquires Brabham and takes over its management. All these new circumstances make the battle for the drivers' and constructors' world titles in 1981 completely unpredictable.

Nelson Piquet, who made his debut last season, blew away the competition and in his second season in Formula 1 managed to win the world championship. This gives wings to the Brabham team, whose colors the Brazilian defends, but it is not enough to bring them the constructors' title. Among the drivers, second is Carlos Ruttmann, and third in the general standings is Alan Jones - both with Williams-Ford. Thus, the British unhindered again find themselves at the top among the constructors for the second year in a row. Brabham-Ford remain second, and Renault completes the winners.

The calendar with starts in 1981. includes 15 races. Formula 1 debut at San Marino Grand Prix. For the first time, the world championship comes under the control of the International Automobile Federation (FIA). One of the first innovations to appear are the cash prizes for every start won. A rule that turns out to be key to the success of some drivers and teams in the coming years due to the emergence of a new source of funding. Subsequently, it is the FIA that has a key role to play in tackling the high mortality rate among Formula 1 drivers, thanks to the measures being taken.

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