Mario Andretti is one of only 3 drivers to have secured the F1 world championship title (1978), Indycar title (1965) and won the Indianapolis 500. He was a fine driver and started his career driving dirt-track cars in the USA, moving on to Indycars and F1. He initially drove a few one off races for Lotus and Ferrari, before Colin Chapman persuaded him to join Lotus full time in 1976, staying until 1980. His timing was good, as Lotus were the first team to perfect ground effect, and in 1978 the Lotus 79 driven by Mario was unbeatable. His only opposition came from his team mate Ronnie Peterson who was tragically killed at Monza, where Andretti clinched the title. He stayed in F1 until 1981, then moved back to Indycars, making one final appearance for Ferrari at the Italian GP in 1982, qualifying on pole.
Nationality - American
Born 28 Feb 1940
First GP USA 1968
Total GP's 128
Wins 12
Poles 18
Fastest laps 10
Total points 180
Teams
-Alfa Romeo
-Ferrari
-Lotus
-March
-Parnelli
-Williams
Claim to fame
-World Champion
-1978
