Pit Lane F1
McLaren
John Watson finished P6 in the 1981 World Drivers' Championship with 27 points. Across 15 races: 1 win, 4 podiums and 0 pole positions, with a best finish of P1.
| Round | Race | Team | Grid | Finish | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Grand Prix West | McLaren | 23 | P21 | Brakes | |
| 2 | Brazilian Grand Prix | McLaren | 15 | P8 | +1 Lap | |
| 3 | Argentine Grand Prix | McLaren | 11 | P16 | Transmission | |
| 4 | San Marino Grand Prix | McLaren | 7 | P10 | +2 Laps | |
| 5 | Belgian Grand Prix | McLaren | 5 |
| P7 |
| Finished |
| 6 | Monaco Grand Prix | McLaren | 10 | P9 | Engine |
| 7 | Spanish Grand Prix | McLaren | 4 | P3 | 4 | Finished |
| 8 | French Grand Prix | McLaren | 2 | P2 | 6 | Finished |
| 9 | British Grand Prix | McLaren | 5 | P1 | 9 | Finished |
| 10 | German Grand Prix | McLaren | 9 | P6 | 1 | +1 Lap |
| 11 | Austrian Grand Prix | McLaren | 12 | P6 | 1 | Finished |
| 12 | Dutch Grand Prix | McLaren | 8 | P12 | Ignition |
| 13 | Italian Grand Prix | McLaren | 7 | P15 | Accident |
| 14 | Canadian Grand Prix | McLaren | 9 | P2 | 6 | Finished |
| 15 | Caesars Palace Grand Prix | McLaren | 6 | P7 | Finished |