Carlos joins Williams

Carlos Reutemann, after a difficult year with Lotus, joined the Williams team and Alan Jones for 1980. This move put him back in a competitive car once again – the very quick FW07 car.

The stylish Argentinian won the Monaco Grand Prix (picture below), a dream come true, and scored eight podiums throughout the year to finish third in the championship, won by his Australian team mate.

Patrick Head remembers: “A lot depended on Carlos’ mood. If he felt confident in the car, he was unbeatable, like in Monaco. If not, he faded away. He was moody indeed, but what an artist at the wheel, smooth and fast!”

His partnership with number one driver Alan Jones, who enjoyed a great relationship with team owners Frank Williams and Patrick Head, was productive for Williams, who won their first Constructors’ Championship in 1980, with a then-record 120 points.