Mario Andretti: The most succesful F1 driver from the USA

Mario Andretti is the most successful American formula one driver. He won the 1978 Formula One Championship with Lotus-Ford. He is also the last American driver to win a grand prix. (Dutch grand Prix 1978). He is also known for being one of the few drivers to have won races in Formula One, IndyCar, World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR

Early career

Mario Andretti began his racing career on dirt tracks in Pennsylvania in the early 1960s, competing in various categories, including midgets and sprint cars. In 1964, he won the USAC National Championship, the first of four titles in that series. He also competed in endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 500. By the mid-1960s, Andretti had established himself as one of the top drivers in the United States.

F1 career

Mario Andretti had a successful Formula One career, spanning from 1968 to 1982. He drove for several teams, including Lotus, Ferrari, and Williams, and won the 1978 F1 World Championship. Over the course of his career, Andretti scored 12 race victories, 18 pole positions, and 19 fastest laps.

After F1

After retiring from F1 in 1982, Mario Andretti continued racing in other categories, including Indycar and sports cars. He won his second Indianapolis 500 in 1987, and became the first driver to win races in Indycar, NASCAR, and Formula One. Andretti also became a successful team owner, with his Andretti Autosport team winning multiple championships and Indianapolis 500 races. He remains involved in motorsports as a commentator and ambassador for the sport.

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Mario Andretti: F1 Career statistics

Nationality	American
Starts	128 (131 entries)
active years	1968-1972, 1972-1982
teams	Lotus, March, Ferrari, Parnelli, Alfa Romeo, Williams
pole positions	18
Fastest laps	10
Podiums	19
Wins	12
Championships	1
career points	180