1978 Swedish Grand Prix

Championship standings

Andretti has opened a lead at the top of the championship. Peterson has closed the gap to the leaders after back-to-back second places in Belgium and Spain.

Previous race

Andretti won Spain for a second consecutive Lotus 1–2, Peterson again runner-up, Laffite third for Ligier. Reutemann had a massive accident on lap 58 when his Ferrari launched over a kerb, flew into the air, cleared the barrier and landed in the debris fencing; he escaped unhurt.

Between-race developments

Brabham have introduced the BT46B for this race. The car features a large rear fan that draws air through horizontally-mounted radiators, while also creating suction beneath the car to generate ground effect — a direct counter to the Lotus 79’s sliding-skirt concept developed by Colin Chapman. The car’s legality is disputed: the rules prohibit moveable aerodynamic devices, but Brabham argue that the fan’s primary function is engine cooling, not aerodynamics. Following protests, the stewards have allowed it to race.

Milestones

This is the last Formula One Swedish Grand Prix to be held, as of the start of this season.

Weather

Sunny and warm conditions.