Former Formula 1 driver Carlos Reutemann dies aged 79

Former Ferrari and Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Reutemann has died aged 79. 
Former Formula 1 driver Carlos Reutemann dies aged 79

Reutemann had been hospitalised for over a month in a medical facility in Santa Fe, Argentina, after his condition worsened.

The Argentine was admitted to hospital on May 30, and was moved to the intensive care unit on June 21, remaining there ever since.

His condition worsened due to issues relating to a haemorrhage, with gastrointestinal bleeding and deteriorating kidney function, linked to the liver cancer he was diagnosed with in 2017.

Earlier this afternoon, Reutemann’s daughter confirmed on Twitter that her father had passed away.

“Dad left in peace and dignity after fighting like a champion, with a strong and noble heart that accompanied him to the end,” she wrote on social media.

“I am proud and blessed for the father I had. I know that he will accompany me every day of my life until we meet again in the house of the Lord.”

His F1 career spanned ten years, driving for some of the sport’s most iconic teams in Brabham, Ferrari, Lotus and Williams.

Reutemann won 12 grands prix and his best championship finish came in 1981, finishing runner-up to Nelson Piquet by one point.

He also finished third in the championship on three separate occasions – in '75, '78 and '80 with Brabham, Ferrari and Williams, respectively.

Once he retired from F1 after two races in 1982, Reutemann made two appearances in the World Rally Championship before moving into politics in his native Argentina.

Formula 1 wrote on social media: “We are all deeply saddened to hear that Carlos Reutemann has passed away. He was a big part of our sport for many years and was a fighter to the end. He will be greatly missed.”

 

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