Brazilian Grand Prix 1981 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Carlos Reutemann ignited one of Formula 1's most controversial teammate battles by defying team orders to win the Brazilian Grand Prix ahead of Alan Jones. The Argentine refused to yield to championship leader Jones despite instructions from the Williams pit wall, choosing to race his teammate aggressively and take victory at the Rio circuit. Reutemann's decision to prioritize his own championship ambitions over team harmony created a bitter rift that would define Williams' 1981 season and ultimately cost both drivers dearly.

Jones was furious at Reutemann's refusal to honor what he believed was a pre-race agreement, later stating he couldn't care less whether Reutemann or rival Piquet won the championship - comparing the choice to "TB and cancer." Riccardo Patrese's third place for Arrows was overshadowed by the Williams internal warfare that would only intensify as the season progressed. The Brazilian Grand Prix controversy established Reutemann as the championship leader but destroyed any semblance of teamwork at Williams, with Jones growing increasingly disillusioned with Formula 1's political machinations. The incident would haunt both drivers throughout the season as their mutual antagonism allowed Piquet to split their points.