Didier Pironi, 1981

Early 1981, after a season at Ligier that gave him his first F1 Grand Prix victory at Zolder in Belgium, Didier Pironi joined the Scuderia Ferrari.

Enzo Ferrari recalled: “As soon as Pironi arrived at Maranello, he won everyone’s admiration and affection, not only for his gifts as an athlete, but also for his way of doing things – he was reserved while at the same time outgoing.”

Compared to his team mate Gilles Villeneuve, who won two races, Pironi was on the back foot during this 1981 season, because he struggled with the heavy 126CK. Nevertheless, he established a good working relationship with the senior members of the team, hoping the 1982 car would better suit him.

Picture below: Didier Pironi in the Ferrari 126CK at the 1981 Italian Grand Prix at Monza where he qualified 8th and finished in 5th position.