Fittipaldi is already world champion

Emerson Fittipaldi at the wheel of his Lotus 72D-Ford-Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8, in the pits at Watkins Glen where the 1972 United States Grand Prix takes place. On the left of the photo, we can see Colin Chapman, the boss of Team Lotus and brilliant engineer, and Peter Warr, the team manager.

The Lotus 72, presented in 1970, quickly became one of the most iconic cars in history. Conceived and designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, it innovated by having its radiators placed on the sides, in-board brakes, and a wedge-shaped body. 

The Formula 72’s career, in its various iterations, spanned six seasons, winning two World Drivers’ Championships – Rindt in 1970 and Fittipaldi in 1972 – and three Constructors’ Championships. It is considered one of the most important and beautiful Formula 1 cars in history.

Here at Watkins Glen, the last round of the 1972 F1 season, Emerson Fittipaldi is already assured of the drivers’ title, it is the Tyrrell 005s of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert who will dominate the race and finish in that order, while Fittipaldi will be forced to retire on lap 17, broken suspension.