Colin Chapman waited patiently

Everybody had noticed Ronnie Peterson winning the 1969 Formula 3 Monaco Grand Prix in dominant fashion. He was then proposed a three year F1 contract by Max Mosley, owner of the March team, that he duly signed.

In his three-year spell with the team, he took no less than six podiums, most of them during the 1971 season, where he finished as runner-up to Jackie Stewart. Colin Chapman was waiting for the right opportunity to sign the super fast Swede, and started talks by the French Grand Prix held in Charade.

After seeing out his 3-years contract, Max Mosley wouldn’t let him go earlier, Peterson joined Team Lotus for the 1973 campaign, partnering reigning world champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Peterson’s first Grand Prix win was at the 1973 French Grand Prix , held at Paul Ricard, in a black and gold Lotus 72.

He took three more wins that year, in Austria, Italy and the United States and finished 3rd in the championship. The legend of the Super Swede was born.