Ex-F1 driver Reutemann moved to intensive care

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Carlos Reutemann

Carlos Reutemann

Ex-Formula 1 driver Carlos Reutemann has been transferred to intensive care due to a worsening condition after being admitted to hospital in his native Argentina.

The 79-year-old, who raced for Brabham, Ferrari, Lotus and Williams, finishing World Championship runner-up with the latter in 1981, was sent to Sanatorio Santa Fe on Wednesday after suffering a digestive haemorrhage.

The hospital reported Reutemann was in a “stable condition” on Friday, but his condition has since worsened with internal bleeding, prompting doctors to send him to an intensive care unit in Rosario via helicopter.

A medical report read: “Given the evidence of a new episode of digestive bleeding and the consequent haemodynamic decompensation of Senator Carlos Reutemann, with a low blood pressure and worsening of biochemical parameters, it was decided to refer him to the Sanatorio Parque in the city of Rosario to continue with diagnostic studies and possible treatment.”

Reutemann, who forged a career in politics after racing, has been restricted to very few public appearances in recent years after being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2017. He did undergo successful surgery in New York to remove a tumour.

The Argentine took part in 146 Formula 1 races, earning 12 wins, 45 podiums and six pole positions.

He missed out on the World Championship by just one point in 1981 and finished P3 in the Drivers’ Championship on a further three occasions.