HistoryData
general1978

1978 British Grand Prix — Formula One motor race held in 1978

July 16, 1978

Carlos Reutemann won the 1978 British Grand Prix from eighth on the grid, taking the lead only 16 laps from the end to claim victory for Ferrari.

Quick Facts

Year
1978
Category
general

Key Facts

Race winner
Carlos Reutemann (Ferrari)
Total laps
76 laps
Winning margin
1.2 seconds
Reutemann's starting position
8th
Lead taken on lap
60
Championship round
10th race of 1978 season

By the Numbers

76laps
Total laps
1.2seconds
Winning margin
8
Reutemann's starting position
60
Lead taken on lap

Location

Map of Brands Hatch, United KingdomMap of Brands Hatch, United KingdomBrands Hatch, United Kingdom

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The 1978 Formula One season was well underway by mid-July, with Brands Hatch hosting the tenth round of the World Championship. Carlos Reutemann, driving for Ferrari, qualified in eighth position, leaving him with significant ground to make up through the field on race day.

Event

On 16 July 1978, Reutemann drove a measured race through the 76-lap contest at Brands Hatch, steadily advancing through the field. He assumed the lead on lap 60 and held it to the finish, crossing the line 1.2 seconds ahead of Niki Lauda in the Brabham-Alfa Romeo, with John Watson completing the podium in third.

Consequence

The victory added points to Reutemann's tally in the 1978 World Championship of F1 Drivers and contributed to Ferrari's standing in the Constructors' Cup. Lauda's second place and Watson's third also benefited Brabham-Alfa Romeo in the constructors' competition.

Timeline Context

Timeline around 197819781975197619771979198019811978 Asian Games — eighth edition of the Asian Games1978 World Women's Handball Championship — 1978 edition of the World Women's Handball ChampionshipEurovision Song Contest 1978 — 23rd edition of the Eurovision Song Contest1978–79 UEFA Cup — 8th season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA1978–79 European Cup — 24th season of the UEFA club football tournament1978 Formula One season — sports season1978 African Cup of Nations — football tournamentNicaraguan Revolution — 20th century armed conflict in Nicaragua1978-british-grand-prix-formula-one-motor-race-held-in-197-1978