BUENOS AIRES: Carlos Reutemann, a former Formula One driver and Argentine politician who raced at the pinnacle of world motorsports for more than a decade, died at the age of 79.

Reutemann underwent hepatic tumor surgery in New York in 2017 and fought to restore full health.

Reutemann was regarded the finest Argentine driver after five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, whose prime was in the 1950s, in a career distinguished by skill behind the wheel and obstinate single-mindedness but also a lack of consistency.

Reutemann, the son of a cattle rancher from Santa Fe province, finished second to Brazilian Nelson Piquet in the Formula One championship in 1981 after finishing third in 1975, 1978, and 1980.

"He was a fighter to the end and was a huge part of our sport for many years. He'll be sorely missed," Formula One announced the news in a statement.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carlos Reutemann.

A revered fighter and 12-time Grand Prix winner, he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/DYbvTOyemQ

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 7, 2021

In 1972, the Argentine debuted in Formula One, joining Bernie Ecclestone's Brabham squad alongside then-twice world champion Graham Hill. He made an impressive start, taking pole position for his home race in Buenos Aires before finishing ninth.

He also raced for Ferrari, where he led the Italian team's effort in 1978 after being overshadowed by Niki Lauda in 1977, before joining Lotus in 1979. That turned out to be a bad decision, as Ferrari finished first and second in the championship that year, with Reutemann finishing sixth.

RIP Carlos Reutemann, the ace of Santa Fe

➡️ https://t.co/cPSKd2iM6e#essereFerrari ???? pic.twitter.com/KMhyQPkdQE

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 7, 2021

In 1980, he relocated to Williams.

"We are deeply grieved by the death of our former driver Carlos Reutemann, who won three Grands Prix for Williams throughout his career. At this tragic time, our hearts go out to his family and friends ", Williams Racing tweeted.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former driver Carlos Reutemann, winner of three Grands Prix for Williams during his career.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/g3kDdsWf5q

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) July 7, 2021

In 1981, he famously ignored team instructions in Brazil, refusing to let Alan Jones pass for the win, but led the championship ahead of the finale in Las Vegas where he qualified on pole.

Reutemann then faded in the race, which Jones won, and Piquet won by a single point.

He quit the sport abruptly after the Brazilian Gand Prix in 1982, having raced in 146 Grand Prix, with 12 wins and 46 podium finishes. He was nicknamed "Lole" in a distorted reference to his fondness for pigs - "los lechones" in Spanish.

After competing in the World Rally Championship in 1985, Reutemann entered politics and was elected governor of Santa Fe province, serving from 1991 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2003.

He was elected senator representing Santa Fe in 2003, and he was re-elected in 2009 and 2015. He declined to run for president in 2002, despite surveys showing he would have been a strong contender.

He was known for his apathy toward celebrities, and he neglected to appear at the launch of his own book in 1998, despite having worked for years with a ghostwriter. "That's Reutemann," commented Alfredo Parga, a writer at the time.

Courtesy: Edited by SportsAction / Inputs - Agency