Nivelles without Stewart

The 1972 Belgian Formula One Grand Prix was held, for the first time at Nivelles-Baulers close to Brussels, on 4 June 1972. The 85-lap race was won by Lotus driver Emerson Fittipaldi after he started from pole position.

Jackie Stewart didn’t show up, because of illness and François Cevert finished second in the sole Tyrrell and McLaren driver Denny Hulme came in third. Jackie Stewart didn’t show up, because of illness.

Picture above: The Lotus 72D-Ford Cosworth of Dave Walker is followed by the sister car of team-mate Emerson Fittipaldi, at the pitlane exit, during practice for the 1972 Belgian Grand Prix at Nivelles.

Reigning World Champion Jackie Stewart was a notable absence – his gruelling schedule of racing on both sides of the Atlantic in Formula 1, Can-Am and European touring cars – led to what was originally diagnosed as an ulcer, but was later confirmed as gastritis.

Under doctor’s orders, he took about three weeks off, cancelled his involvement in the Can-Am series, and decided to concentrate on the F1, for the rest of the season.

Picture below: Emerson Fittipaldi, Lotus 72D-Ford, on his way to victory at the 1972 Belgian Grand Prix. The Brazilian dominated the championship, and at the end of the season, sealed his first drivers’ world title.