John Watson

Country Great Britain
Date of Birth 4-5-46
  Lotus Career
Debut 3-8-75 14-7-73
Last Race 3-8-75 6-10-85
Races 1 152
Wins 0 5
Podiums 0 20
Poles 0 2
Points 0 174

Other information...

Started F1 career for Brabham. Joined Lotus for the German GP at Nurburgring in 1975 after Jacky Ickx refused to drive the aging Lotus 72 and quit Team Lotus. After stints at Penske and Brabham, went on to have a successful five seasons at McLaren. This included an amazing drive to victory at the 1983 US GP at the Long Beach street circuit, when he had qualified in 22nd position.

At the end of the 1983 season his contract at McLaren had run out. After turning down the chance to drive for Toleman, was offered a drive with Team Lotus. However he didn't like the idea of driving with Pirelli tyres. Unfortunately after the signing deadline passed Lotus switched to Goodyear, and Nigel Mansell kept his seat.