Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx built two of the most distinguished careers in motorsport history, achieving success across Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, endurance racing and rally raid. Yet their enduring friendship may be just as remarkable as their racing records.
When the two legends joined Motorsport.com for a special double interview, the video call felt like a reunion between old friends. Andretti and Ickx first met at the 1968 Mexican Grand Prix and later became team-mates at Ferrari in both Formula 1 and the World SportsCar Championship. Nearly six decades later, their admiration and affection remain as strong as ever.
“You have to explain to me how you stay in such good condition, because you look good,” Ickx said of Andretti.
“I understand, yesterday you won [IndyCar’s Freedom 250] and you finished on the podium. You have many reasons to smile. We hope at Genesis to be like you.
“You are amazing, my dear Mario. It brings me some emotions to think that what we did more than almost 60 years ago – yes, almost 60 years ago.
“You are the most famous driver – the celebrated, the iconic Mario Andretti. I had the fortune to share with you, it was yesterday, I believe, 1972, in a Ferrari 312 PB. So thank you very much.”
Clearly touched by Ickx’s praise, Andretti replied:
“No, thank you. You were the best.”
Endurance racing brought Andretti and Ickx together
Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, Ferrari 312 PB
Photo by: Rainer Schlegelmilch / Getty Images
The mutual respect between Andretti and Ickx helps explain why they became such a formidable partnership. They first shared a garage in 1971, when Ferrari paired them across a dual programme in Formula 1 and sportscar racing.
Reliability limited Ferrari’s results in F1, but both drivers claimed a victory. Andretti, who was not competing full-time, drove Ferrari’s 312B to victory on his debut outing for Enzo’s team.
Their partnership flourished in sportscar racing. Their similar physical dimensions simplified the work for Ferrari’s designers, while their trust and understanding made them exceptionally effective as team-mates. Ickx even allowed Andretti to qualify the car according to the American driver’s preference.
Ferrari dominated the 1972 season, with Andretti and Ickx winning four of the 11 races they contested together. Their victories came at Daytona, Sebring, Watkins Glen and Brands Hatch. Ferrari skipped Le Mans after deciding that its Formula 1-derived engine was not suitable for a 24-hour race; with the Daytona event reduced to six hours that year, Andretti and Ickx would otherwise have been among the leading contenders at La Sarthe.
Andretti said sharing a car in endurance racing brought the pair closer and laid the foundation for a friendship that has endured ever since.
“Long-distance racing taught me a lot,” he said. “You’re sharing the moment with someone else to do the same thing.
“There’s no bigger pleasure when you’re in victory lane together with your partner. The ones that have accomplished the same thing for you – and with you.
“We all depend on each other to minimise the mistakes – and make no mistakes – to be able to bring it home.
“You’re sharing your victory in a different way when you’re driving in long-distance races. We’re both in the same seat during the race at one time or another and we’re both experiencing exactly the same thing. That’s something that brings you together.
“Jacky, specifically, from the long-distance racing factor, I did most of my long-distance races with him. That’s why I said he’s my best buddy, my best team-mate.”
Andretti and Ickx remain connected by motorsport
Following his Ferrari career, Ickx became one of the most successful sportscar drivers ever. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, along with the Spa 24 Hours and Bathurst 1000, before moving into rally raid and winning the Dakar Rally on his third attempt.
Andretti also achieved nearly every major goal he set for himself. His victories included the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500, while he also won the Formula 1 and IndyCar championships.
Although both drivers have retired from active competition, their passion for motorsport remains undiminished in their 80s. Andretti, patriarch of one of America’s biggest racing dynasties, works as a director for Cadillac’s new F1 team. Ickx is a brand ambassador for Genesis Magma Racing and recently drove the GMR-001 at Paul Ricard.
Their lives are now divided by geography, with Andretti based in Pennsylvania and Ickx spending much of his time in Africa. That distance has done little to weaken their relationship. They continue to follow each other’s careers and want to see the other succeed.
“I’ll be watching with interest,” said Andretti. “I wish you guys all the very best. Whatever your endeavours are, maintain your objectives and always go for the sky.”
“I wish you to enjoy life in your projects,” Ickx adds. “We are in very good company. We are lucky to still be active, to be in good health.
“We are very lucky, Mario. I keep in mind these days the years we have shared together, where we have shared long-distance racing.
“Of course, I follow you in your championships, F1, IndyCar, NASCAR, Midget.”
Mario Andretti, Jacky Ickx, Ferrari 312 PB
Photo by: David Phipps / Sutton Images via Getty Images
As the interview ended, Andretti and Ickx said goodbye. They could have spent the hour revisiting their greatest victories, but the conversation repeatedly returned to the time they shared both on and off the track.
“You have been a real friend and such a talented driver,” concludes Ickx. “I was tempted to say I love you, but you’re not supposed to say that.
“Mario, stay safe, please,” he adds. “Stay safe. And thank you very much for your friendship.”
