Video: Mario Andretti reunited with stunning V12 Ferrari 512S

05th May 2022

Simon Ostler

Every now and again, there are moments at the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard that capture the attention of every single person in attendance. The queues for lunch dissipate and the general buzz of the event turns to awed hush as attentions are turned to the Hill.

Moments like this. As Mario Andretti, champion and race winner in Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and sportscars, took to the start line in his V12 Ferrari 512S. This was a very special reunion between Andretti and the car that he drove to victory at the 1970 Sebring 12 Hours, some 50 years on from that victorious day.

The sight of that car going up the Hill is one thing, but to see that famous Andretti crash helmet in the cockpit pushes an awful lot of emotional buttons.

We’re actually glad he’s not trying to set a quick time here, because it gives us much more of an opportunity appreciate this incredible occasion, and far more time to gawk at this stunning machine. Even at this speed, the sound of that 5.0-litre V12 is one of the greatest things you’ll hear all day.