Argentine Grand Prix 1972 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Jackie Stewart opened his title defense with a commanding victory at the Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires, the reigning World Champion demonstrating that Tyrrell remained the team to beat in 1972. Stewart controlled the race from the front at the challenging Autódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez, holding off Denny Hulme's McLaren and Jacky Ickx's Ferrari in hot, humid conditions. The victory was Stewart's fourth consecutive win dating back to the previous season and established an early marker for his championship rivals.

The race at Buenos Aires, held in oppressive heat that tested both driver and machine, saw Stewart execute a perfect performance. Starting from the front row, the Scottish maestro built an early lead and managed it expertly throughout, demonstrating the maturity and tactical intelligence that made him the sport's dominant force. Hulme's second place was McLaren's best result since Bruce McLaren's death in 1970, suggesting the team was finally moving forward under new leadership. Ickx's podium gave Ferrari encouragement, though the Scuderia knew they needed race wins to challenge seriously.

The season opener marked the beginning of what would become a fascinating championship battle, though few could have predicted that a 25-year-old Brazilian driving a Lotus would emerge as champion. Stewart's victory demonstrated Tyrrell's continued competitiveness, and his smooth, calculated driving style seemed perfectly suited to conserving machinery in the grueling conditions. The Argentine Grand Prix set the stage for a season that would see Stewart challenged by Emerson Fittipaldi's consistency and the still-competitive Lotus 72.