“F1 didn’t pay much…”

Mario Andretti (Ferrari 312B2) qualified in 9th position (picture-above) for the 1972 Argentine Grand Prix held at the Buenos Aires circuit on 23 January 1972, but retired on lap 20, broken engine. The race was notable for the debut of local driver and future Grand Prix winner Carlos Reutemann, who scored pole position in his Brabham BT34. Jackie Stewart won the race for Tyrrell.

Andretti joined the Scuderia Ferrari in 1971 and entered seven out of 11 races, completed two. In his Ferrari debut, he won his maiden Grand Prix at Kyalami and also won the non-championship Questor Grand Prix in California. Following this win, Enzo Ferrari offered Andretti a seat for the 1972 season, but Mario declined, later remarking that “Formula One didn’t pay much back then… but I always figured I’d get another opportunity.” Andretti nevertheless participated in five Grand Prix for Ferrari in 1972, but scored no podiums.