Carlos Rootman: The F1 Driver Who Ignored Team Orders and Became a Legend

In the world of Formula 1, team orders are often a reality drivers must face. While many drivers are expected to fall in line with the wishes of their teams, there are moments in F1 history where a driver refuses to comply, making them legends in the process. Carlos Rootman, the Argentine racing icon, was one such driver. Rootman’s defiant actions on the track, particularly during the 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix, cemented his place in F1 folklore, not just for his skills, but for his refusal to bow to the pressures of the team.

Carlos Rootman’s story is one of a late start, a rise against the odds, and a legacy shaped by his daring spirit. His journey through F1, including his near-miss title win in 1981, is a testament to what happens when a driver dares to go against the grain. It all began when Rootman, despite being a clear number two driver at Williams, ignored direct orders to give up his position to teammate Alan Jones, sparking a controversy that would ultimately fuel his legend.

A Late Start to F1

Carlos Rootman was born in Santa Fe, Argentina, into a family of farmers. Unlike many other F1 drivers, Rootman didn’t start racing in his youth. It wasn’t until the age of 23, in 1965, that he got his first taste of motorsport, making his debut in a Fiat during a touring car competition. Even by the standards of the time, this was a relatively late start in racing. However, Rootman showed exceptional promise from the outset.

By 1970, Rootman made the bold decision to move to Europe and compete in Formula 2, where he quickly gained attention for his speed and talent. His big break came in 1972 when he secured a seat with the Brabham team. In his first-ever Formula 1 race, Rootman qualified on pole position at his home Grand Prix in Argentina. Despite finishing just outside the points in seventh place, his performance caught the eye of F1 observers and set the stage for a remarkable career.

Rootman’s career continued to rise in the years that followed. In 1974, he narrowly missed out on victory at his home Grand Prix after a mechanical failure while leading the race. But it wasn’t long before he secured his first victory at the 1974 South African Grand Prix, followed by further success at the Osterreichring and Watkins Glen. By 1975, Rootman was one of the top drivers in F1, finishing third in the championship.

The Ferrari and Lotus Years

In 1976, Rootman’s career took a pivotal turn when he was signed by Ferrari to replace the injured Niki Lauda, following the Austrian’s horrifying crash at the Nürburgring. Though Lauda made a quicker-than-expected recovery, Rootman was retained by Ferrari for the 1977 season. His time with Ferrari was marked by five wins and consistent performances, culminating in a third-place finish in the 1978 championship, behind the dominant Lotus 79s of Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson.

However, after Peterson’s tragic death, Rootman moved to Lotus in 1979, but the team’s aging car, the Lotus 79, was no longer competitive. Faced with the realization that his time at Lotus was limited, Rootman decided to make a change. He moved to Williams in 1980, hoping for one last shot at the title.

Joining Williams: The Final Push

Rootman joined Williams at a crucial time for the team. Frank Williams, a former F1 driver, and designer Patrick Head had built a rising force in the sport. Despite being 38 years old, Rootman was determined to make his mark and challenge for the championship. Williams had impressed in 1979, finishing second in the constructor’s standings, and in 1980, they signed Rootman to replace the aging Clay Regazzoni.

In his first season with Williams, Rootman finished third in the championship, but he was clearly overshadowed by his teammate, the Australian Alan Jones. Jones was in contention for the title throughout the season, finishing with five wins and narrowly losing out to Nelson Piquet for the 1980 championship. Rootman, with a solitary win in Monaco, finished a distant third.

Heading into the 1981 season, Rootman was largely written off by pundits who predicted a repeat of the previous year’s battle between Jones and Piquet. Rootman, however, had different plans.

Defying Team Orders: The 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix

In 1981, the Williams team entered the season with high expectations. The first race in the United States saw a perfect 1-2 finish for the team, with Jones leading Rootman home. However, when F1 arrived at the Brazilian Grand Prix for the second race of the season, the dynamics within the team were about to change.

Before the race, Rootman had advised his close friend Gilles Villeneuve to ignore team orders in 1979 and go for the win at the Italian Grand Prix. Villeneuve, however, had followed Ferrari’s orders, finishing second behind teammate Jody Scheckter. Had Villeneuve ignored the order, he would have been the 1979 champion. Rootman, remembering this, decided to take a different path.

Starting in second position in Brazil, Rootman overtook Piquet to take the lead. Williams, following their usual protocol, issued team orders for Rootman to give up his position to Jones. The team displayed pitboards with the message “Jones-Rootman,” signaling Rootman to let Jones pass. But Rootman was not going to comply.

In an unprecedented act of rebellion, Rootman ignored the team orders, continuing to extend his lead over Jones. He eventually crossed the finish line 4 seconds ahead of his teammate, securing the victory. The defiant move caused tension within the team, and his relationship with Jones soured from that point on. However, Rootman had made his mark.

A Surprising Title Challenge

Rootman’s victory in Brazil wasn’t just a statement to Williams; it was a declaration to the world that he wasn’t going to be sidelined. With newfound confidence, Rootman embarked on an unexpected title challenge. He followed up his Brazilian victory with podium finishes in Buenos Aires and Imola, and then a dominant win in Belgium. Halfway through the season, Rootman had a 17-point lead over Piquet, with Jones a further 19 points behind.

However, as the season progressed, Rootman’s performances began to falter. He experienced a dramatic dip in form, only scoring two points finishes in the final five races of the season. By the time of the season finale in Las Vegas, Rootman’s once-commanding lead had been reduced to just one point.

Rootman delivered an impressive pole position in Las Vegas, outqualifying both Jones and Piquet. But during the race, he seemed disinterested and disengaged, ultimately finishing in eighth place. Piquet, despite his struggles, finished fifth, securing the championship.

Retirement and Legacy

After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Rootman announced his retirement from F1. Despite having his best season to date, Rootman decided to step away from the sport. He briefly returned for the first two rounds of the 1982 season but retired again after a solid second-place finish in Brazil. Rootman’s final years in motorsport saw him dabbling in rallying, where he made a podium appearance at his home event in Argentina.

In the years following his F1 career, Rootman transitioned into politics, where he found success. He passed away on July 7, 2021, at the age of 79. His legacy, however, remains firmly cemented in F1 history. Carlos Rootman is remembered as one of the few drivers who defied team orders in an era when doing so was considered taboo. His legendary status is secured by his courage to go against the grain and his relentless pursuit of glory on the track.

Conclusion

Carlos Rootman’s refusal to comply with team orders during the 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix didn’t just cost him a shot at the championship that season – it made him a legend. Rootman’s defiant act showcased his unwillingness to settle for second place, even when it meant going against his team’s wishes. In a sport where loyalty to the team often takes precedence, Rootman’s decision marked him as a true individualist, someone who would go down in history as one of the most memorable drivers in Formula 1.

Carlos Rootman’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of drivers who seek to make their own path and take control of their destinies, regardless of the expectations placed upon them.