There can be no doubt that Grand Prix racing is a demanding sport. Success requires the most talented engineers, the most talented drivers, and a healthy dose of luck doesn't hurt either! Even the proven car and driver combination of Ferrari and Andretti are not immune to the difficulties that underly this grueling sport.
Spirits were high when Ferrari arrived for the 1971 Grand Prix of Monaco, a highlight on every years calendar. The team had decorated the Italian-American's car with blue stripes for the event; a year earlier at the Grand Prix of Belgium, they had decorated Jacky Ickx' car with yellow stripes, and the late Ignazio Giunti's car with green stripes.
For 1971 the Monaco organizers decided to allow 18 cars to start rather than the usual 16 and to do away with the complicated system of guaranteed grid positions. It was simply a question of the fastest 18 cars, and there were 23 present. First, Andretti fell victim to the elements as rain wiped out Thursday qualifying. He suffered immediate mechanical trouble during Friday qualifying and so failed to qualify, illustrating the drama and hardship that comes with Formula One competition.
