1982 South African Grand Prix

Drivers’ strike

Before the first practice session of the season, FISA distributes a new Super Licence application form tying drivers to a single team for up to three years and forbidding actions “which might harm the moral or material interests” of Formula One. Six drivers initially refuse to sign: Niki Lauda, Didier Pironi, Gilles Villeneuve, René Arnoux, Bruno Giacomelli, and Andrea de Cesaris.

At a Formula One Commission meeting on Wednesday, Pironi — head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association — formally objects on behalf of all drivers. FISA president Jean-Marie Balestre responds by excluding unsigned drivers from Thursday’s practice. The following morning, virtually the entire field strikes, boarding a bus to a nearby hotel. The standoff breaks shortly before noon on Friday, with the drivers receiving partial assurances. Practice and qualifying go ahead.

All drivers are subsequently fined between $5,000 and $10,000 and handed suspended race bans. The new Super Licence terms are ultimately scrapped. In the wake of the affair, the GPDA disbands and is replaced by the Professional Racing Drivers’ Association.

Entrants

Niki Lauda makes his first Formula One start since mid-way through 1979, partnering John Watson at McLaren after a two-year self-imposed retirement.

Keke Rosberg makes his Williams debut, replacing the retired Alan Jones. Carlos Reutemann, who had also announced his retirement but changed his mind, starts alongside him.

Marc Surer broke both feet in pre-season testing here at Kyalami and is replaced at Arrows by Patrick Tambay for this race.