“The show must go on”

Three Team Lotus mechanics push Ronnie Peterson’s sculptural Lotus 72E towards the starting grid of the US Grand Prix, the final round of the season, run at Watkins Glen on October 7, 1973 (photo above).

The mood is somber, as the popular French driver François Cevert was killed during qualifying less than 24 hours ago… but, as the Americans say, “the show must go on”.

The Tyrrell team withdrew as a sign of mourning and it was with a heavy heart that Ronnie Peterson imposed his Lotus 72E, ahead of the March 731 of James Hunt entered by Hesketh, and the Brabham BT44 of Carlos Reutemann (picture below).