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John Watson

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description John Watson Overview

John Watson is a former racing driver from Northern Ireland who competed in Formula One from 1973 to 1985. Driving for teams such as McLaren and Penske, he achieved five Grand Prix victories, including a notable win at the 1981 British Grand Prix where he started from the back of the grid. Watson also secured two podium finishes in the World Sportscar Championship and competed in the CART Indy Car World Series. Following his retirement from open-wheel racing, he transitioned into a career as a television motorsport commentator.

help John Watson FAQ

When did John Watson race in Formula One, and which teams did he drive for?

John Watson competed in Formula One from 1973 to 1985, racing for teams including Brabham, Surtees, Penske, and McLaren. His first F1 start was the 1973 British Grand Prix, where he drove a Brabham BT37. [McLaren's heritage profile covers Watson's F1 career](https://www.mclaren.com/racing/heritage/formula-1/drivers/john-watson/).

How many Formula One races did John Watson win?

Watson won five Formula One Grands Prix. His first victory came with Penske at the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix, followed by four wins with McLaren.

Did John Watson win the 1981 British Grand Prix from the back of the grid?

The famous back-of-grid Watson victory was the 1983 United States West Grand Prix at Long Beach, which he won after starting 22nd. His 1981 British Grand Prix win was a separate McLaren victory at Silverstone, not the 22nd-place recovery drive.

What was special about Watson's 1981 McLaren victory?

Watson won the 1981 British Grand Prix in the McLaren MP4/1, a car associated with an early carbon-fiber composite monocoque in Formula One. The result was also McLaren's first British Grand Prix win since James Hunt's 1977 victory in Japan.