McLaren LeadsTeam Championship but Fails To Win Race
Five teams appeared in this season inaugural race at Buenos Aires. Ferarri’s Luada held the pole and was accompanied in the first row by Hesketh’s Lunger. The second row was occupied by Peterson in the Lotus and Hunt in another Hesketh. The remaining Lotus of Ickx and Ferrari of Regazzoni secured the third row while both McLarens (Fittapaldi and Mass) held the last row. Two Maki’s were late to the grid and entered the race from the pits.
Lauda jumped out front and had a substantial lead entering Curva Numero Uno. The lotus’ consolidated their positions behind Lauda. Fittipaldi began fighting his way through the pack.
The field condensed going through the more technical part of the track. Peterson caught Lauda and threatened to take the lead, but would soon be haunted by brake issues that would take him out of contention. Fittipaldi cut his way through the Heskeths and moved into 3rd place.
Lauda and Peterson raced side-by-side, but Lauda got the better of Peterson going through the Curva de Parga Horquilla and finished the lap in the lead. Hunt challenged Fittapaldi for 3rd. Unlike his partner Lauda, Regazzoni had a bad day and skidded before entering the long front straight and fell far behind the pack (and his luck did not improve after that).
During the second lap, Lauda attempted to extend his lead while Peterson fell back as his brakes began to fade. Fittapaldi smelled blood in the water and he passed Peterson and set Lauda in his sites. Hunt tailed Fittapaldi.
Lauda pushed his #12 Ferrari to the limit and finished the second lap with a tremendous lead, but his car was showing signs of wear. Fittapaldi and Hunt continued the joust for 2nd place. Regazzoni spunout in the same corner he skidded in during the previous lap securing last place.
Hunt began to fall off pace and Ickx passed him. Fittapaldi began reeling in Lauda.
Fittapaldi caught Lauda and tried to take the lead going into Parga, but he spunout! Lauda retook the lead and won the race. Fittapaldi recovered in time to hold second place. There was a three-way drag race between Hunt, Mass, and Walker. Walker took 3rd followed by Ickx (who had sprung out from behind the dragsters), and Mass.
Although Ferrari’s Lauda won the race, Team Mclaren earned enough points to start the season in first place.
Race details follow:
1st Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S **
2nd John H. (E. Fittipaldi) 40/60/20/160/6 S
3rd Ray G. (D. Walker) 60/40/40/160 S
4th Tom V. (J. Ickx) 40/40/40/160/5 W
5th John H. (J. Mass) 40/40/20160/6 S
6th Steve K. (J. Hunt) 60/40/20/160/6 S
7th Ray G. (H. Fushida) 40/40/40/160/5 S
8th Tom V. (R. Peterson) 40/60/40/160/5 S
9th Steve K. (B. Lunger) 60/40/20/160/5 S
10th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/20/160/5
The second race of the season is on 5 February 2025 at Kyalami. See you at the races!