P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The latest in RacingNews365’s series takes a look back at the 1982 South African Grand Prix – when F1 drivers went on strike!
Niki Lauda made a comeback to F1 after quitting, driven by a mix of competitive spirit and a lucrative offer from McLaren, and went straight to the 1982 South African Grand Prix. The drivers’ strike at the event was triggered by the stringent clauses in the super-licence form prohibiting drivers from changing teams at will. Lauda, along with Didier Pironi, led the charge against the restrictions, uniting drivers in protest. The drivers gathered in a packed hotel room, where the unity and resolve were evident even in the face of threats from organizers and team bosses. Lauda’s leadership and strategic arrangements during the strike, including using a grand piano as a barricade, showcased his determination and commitment to drivers’ rights.
