Racing world reacts to Reutemann's death: "The pride of Argentina"

Argentinean former driver and twelve times race winner Carlos Reutemann has passed away after a long and complex illness at the age of 79, his relatives announced today. This was quickly followed by a flood of messages of grief on Twitter from people both in and around the Formula 1 paddock, all mourning the loss of the racing legend.

A message from Formula One's official media outlet on Twitter expresses contrition at the news. "He was a big part of our sport for many years, and a fighter to the end," it is written. "He will be greatly missed."

We are all deeply saddened to hear that Carlos Reutemann has passed away. He was a big part of our sport for many years and was a fighter to the end. He will be greatly missed.

— F1 Media (@F1Media) July 7, 2021

Sports journalist Jose Luis Pasques also mourns the passing of his compatriot. "Thanks to you, I discovered Formula 1," Pasques thanks the racer. "You were a title-less champion due to the little interest people had. You are the pride and trademark of Argentina. Bon voyage Carlos Reutemann."

Descubrí la Fórmula 1 gracias a vos. El Mundo te admiró. Fuiste Campeón sin título por algún interés mezquino. En tu larga trayectoria política fuiste capaz y honesto. Sos orgullo y marca registrada de la Argentina. Buen viaje Carlos Alberto Reutemann. pic.twitter.com/cfxKcJqnOk

— José Luis Pasqués (@Pepepasques) July 7, 2021

Driver with talent and class

Joe Saward, also a sports journalist, shares his condolences on Twitter as follows: "Carlos Reutemann was a hero when I was just coming to watch. An elegant man, an elegant driver with talent and class," his message reads.

Carlos Reutemann was a hero when I was first starting out in the business. An elegant man, an elegant driver. Real talent, real class.

— Joe Saward (@joesaward) July 7, 2021

"Another greatness from my youth has died," said Formula One expert Simon Strang. "Reutemann’s deft touch was unmatchable when he was in the mood. A master at his craft, he was a soulful character, not so much at odds with contemporaries but racing to his own beat. To have seen him race was a privilege."

Another #F1 giant of my youth has passed. Carlos Reutemann’s deft touch was unmatchable when he was in the mood. A master at his craft, he was a soulful character, not so much at odds with contemporaries but racing to his own beat. To have seen him race was a privilege. #RIPLole https://t.co/DzDtHSK8f0 pic.twitter.com/ApTQowCk5q

— Simon Strang (@StrangRacing) July 7, 2021

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