Ex-F1 star Reutemann moved to intensive care

The 79-year-old politician, who finished runner-up to Nelson Piquet in the 1981 F1 world championship, was admitted to the Sanatorio Santa Fe on Wednesday after suffering a digestive haemorrhage.

On Friday, the Santa Fe hospital reported the serving Argentinian senator's condition was "clinically stable, with acceptable haemodynamic parameters".

But after a new episode of internal bleeding, doctors decided to transfer him to the intensive care section of a different hospital in Rosario, some 170 kilometres down the road.

"Given the evidence of a new episode of digestive bleeding and the consequent haemodynamic decompensation of Senator Carlos Reutemann, with a low blood pressure and worsening of biochemical parameters, it was decided to refer him to the Sanatorio Parque in the city of Rosario to continue with diagnostic studies and possible treatment," read a medical report on Saturday.

Reutemann has been facing previous severe health issues in recent years, being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2017.

He underwent surgery in New York later that year to remove a liver tumour and has continued to struggle with his health ever since, making few public appearances.

Reutemann, who turned 79 last month, took part in 146 F1 grands prix between 1972 and 1982.

He was handed his debut at the 1972 Argentinian Grand Prix by Brabham boss Bernie Ecclestone alongside two-time world champion Graham Hill, and then went on to race for teams including Ferrari, Williams and Lotus.

Carlos Reutemann with Brabham designer Gordon Murray

Photo by: Rainer W. Schlegelmilch

During his decade at the top level of motorsport he scored 12 F1 wins, six poles and 46 podium finishes. In 1981, Reutemann came within one point of the world title having led for much of the season and finished third in the championship on three further occasions - in 1975, 1978 and 1980.

After his retirement from driving, having also made two World Rally Championship starts, Reutemann turned his attention to politics and has served in Argentina's senate since 2003.

He also served two terms as governor of his local state of Santa Fe and was even offered to run for the Argentinian presidency in 2003, but rejected the candidacy.