Born in Santa Fe, Argentina on 12 April 1942, Carlos Reutemann moved to Europe in 1970 to participate in Formula 2 after making a name for himself in his home country in touring cars then single-seaters.

For the 1973 season, one year after his debut in Formula 1, Reutemann was recruited by Ferrari for the World Marques Championship. Along with teammate Tim Schenken, as well as Jacky Ickx, Arturo Merzario, Carlos Pace and Brian Redman, he found himself at the heart of the duel between the Italian manufacturer and Matra for victory on 9-10 June 1973 at the 50th anniversary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Argentinian and the Australian shared their rookie starts in the 24 Hours. After qualifying fifth, they reached second position in the third hour then battled for the lead against the Matra of Patrick Depailler/Bob Wollek until the latter was forced to retire just before the sixth hour. The #17 Ferrari took the top spot until 02:37 when Reutemann brought the car to pit lane with engine troubles prior to retiring. At the time, Reutemann/Schenken held a one lap lead on teammates Jacky Ickx/Brian Redman. It was his only participation in the race and the last for Ferrari as a factory team in the head class until 2023 when the marque will compete in Hypercar.

The Argentinian was then hired a second time by the Italian constructor, this time in Formula 1 from 1976 to 1978. In 146 Grand Prix between 1972 and 1982 (with Brabham, Ferrari, Lotus and Williams), he won 12 times, finishing third in the championship in 1975, 1978 and 1980, then as runner-up in 1981. In 1972, Reutemann caused a stir when he scored the pole in his first F1 appearance, at the season opener in his home country. He is one of three drivers in F1 history along with Mario Andretti and Jacques Villeneuve to do so. Reutemann also tried his hand in rally, finishing in 1980 (with Fiat) and 1985 (with Peugeot) third at Rally Argentina. Reutemann later successfully moved into politics, serving two terms as governor of the province of Santa Fe.

Though at the 24 Hours of Le Mans he was never able to match the feat of fellow countryman José Froilán González, to this day the only Argentinian to win the race (in 1954), Reutemann is considered a national treasure and the worthy successor of legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest extends its sincerest condolences to Carlos Reutemann's family and friends.