Mario Andretti is, without a doubt, the finest motorsport legend that America has ever produced — but his 1978 Formula 1 World Championship was won under tragic circumstances: His teammate, Ronnie Peterson, was killed at the Italian Grand Prix. Peterson was Andretti's biggest challenger for the title. Without that competition, Andretti took the win.

Today on "Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys," we're speaking with Mario Andretti himself in order to better understand just what an emotional challenge that 1978 season was for him.

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Episode Bibliography: 

Mario Andretti: World Champion by Nigel Roebuck (Thank you to my wonderful friend Zoe for sending along the relevant sections I asked for!)

Ronnie Peterson: Superswede by Alan Henry

Colin Chapman: The Man and His Cars by Gerard Crombac

My Greatest Defeat: Stories of Hardship and Hope from Motor Racing's Finest Heroes by Will Buxton

Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One by Sid Watkins.

https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/sports/the-wrecked-rebuilt-life-of-aldo-andretti