The 1978 Formula One season was the 32nd season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1978 World Championship of Drivers and the 1978 International Cup for F1 Constructors. Mario Andretti won the Drivers' Championship driving for Lotus, while Lotus won the Constructors' Championship. The season was marred by the death of Andretti's teammate, Ronnie Peterson, following an accident at the Italian Grand Prix.
The 1978 Formula One season began with the Argentine Grand Prix at the Autódromo Municipal de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Mario Andretti took pole position and won the race for Lotus-Ford.
The United States Grand Prix West was held on the streets of Long Beach, California. Carlos Reutemann won the race for Ferrari, ahead of Patrick Depailler and Mario Andretti.
Niki Lauda drove the Brabham BT46B 'fan car' to victory at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp. The car's controversial fan-assisted aerodynamics generated immense downforce, but the design was voluntarily withdrawn by Brabham after the race.
Mario Andretti won the German Grand Prix at the Hockenheimring, leading a Lotus 1-2 finish with teammate Ronnie Peterson. This victory further extended Andretti's lead in the Drivers' Championship.
Ronnie Peterson suffered severe leg injuries in a multi-car crash at the start of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. He died the following day due to a fat embolism. Niki Lauda won the race, while Mario Andretti secured the World Drivers' Championship.
Carlos Reutemann won the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in his Ferrari. The race was held in heavy fog and rain, leading to its early termination after 59 laps.
Gilles Villeneuve claimed his first Formula One victory at his home race, the Canadian Grand Prix at Île Notre-Dame in Montreal. Driving for Ferrari, Villeneuve won in wet conditions, cementing his status as a fan favorite.