I had a mission at one point to try and paint all the world champions (I have since re-evaluated my mission!) and Andretti was one of them. Mario Andretti’s win in the Lotus 79 at Monza secured him the World Championship for 1978.
The Italian Grand Prix that year was regarded by Andretti as one of his best races. Gilles Villeneuve got the lead at the start (allegedly by jumping the flag) and Mario had to slowly reel him in over a large part of the race. Tragically, Ronnie Peterson, Andretti’s teammate, lost his life at this race as a result of a start line accident.
For commissions, originals and prints contact:
Chris Phillips
(905) 648-0329
or see more of his automotive artwork at www.racing-art.com
