Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship (Emerson Fittipaldi, 1974)
Two-time Formula One World Champion and Indianapolis 500 winner.
Emerson Fittipaldi (born 12 December 1946) is a Brazilian former racing driver and motorsport executive, who competed in Formula One from 1970 to 1980. Fittipaldi won two Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles, which he won in 1972 and 1974 with Lotus and McLaren, respectively; he won 14 Grands Prix across 11 seasons. In American open-wheel racing, Fittipaldi won the IndyCar World Series in 1989 with Patrick, and is a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500.
Quick Facts
- Podiums
- 7
Lore & Background
Fittipaldi made his Formula One debut for Team Lotus as a third driver at the 1970 British Grand Prix. After Jochen Rindt was killed at the 1970 Italian Grand Prix, Fittipaldi became Lotus's lead driver in only his fifth Grand Prix. He won the World Drivers' Championship in 1972 at age 25, becoming the youngest ever F1 world champion at the time. He held that record for 33 years. He moved to McLaren for 1974, winning the title again and helping McLaren win their first Constructors' Championship. He then moved to his brother's Fittipaldi Automotive team before the 1976 season, retiring from Formula One in 1980.
Reader's Guide
Fittipaldi's career is marked by two Formula One World Championships (1972 with Lotus, 1974 with McLaren), 14 Grand Prix wins, and later success in American CART racing, including the 1989 CART title and two Indianapolis 500 wins (1989 and 1993).
Did You Know?
- Fittipaldi held the record as the youngest F1 world champion for 33 years until Alonso broke it in 2005.
- He is one of only three people in history to have a Corvette production car named in his honor (2008).
- At age 67, he entered the 2014 6 Hours of São Paulo.
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