Emerson Fittipaldi

Biography of Emerson Fittipaldi

Emerson Fittipaldi paved the way for Brazilian motor racing talent to conquer F1 with two championship wins in the 1970s.

Fittipaldi made his debut at the 1970 British Grand Prix to begin a career that spanned a decade, although contnued long after F1, eventually retiring from motorsport in 1996.

His first victory came in just his fifth entry at the United States Grand Prix held at Watkins Glen. 13 more race wins would follow throughout his time in F1.

After the tragic death of 1970 champion Jochen Rindt, Fittipaldi, despite his lack of experience, was thrust into the lead driver role at Lotus, such was his incredible talent. He would prove the team right with a championship triumph in 1972 that included five wins. At the age of 25, he was the youngest driver to win the title, holding the record for 33 years before Fernando Alonso won in 2005.

A switch to McLaren brought further success in 1974, with three wins and three further podiums contributing to a second title. His final race win came with the same team in Great Britain a year later, before Fittipaldi shocked the spport by turning to the eponymous team created by brother Wilson for the final five seasons of his F1 career.

Despite the team not being competitive, Fittipaldi was still able to add to his podium tally, with his final top three coming at the US West GP in 1980.

Fittipaldi's legacy remains as one of the few who were able to take multiple world championships.