Emerson Fittipaldi

Early 1974, Emerson Fittipaldi left Lotus to sign for the McLaren Team led by Teddy Mayer, now well funded by Marlboro and Texaco, both brands very keen on the talent and the marketing potential of the Brazilian.

Driving the highly efficient and reliable McLaren M23 (picture below) designed par Gordon Coppuck, he took three victories in 1974, reached the podium four other times, and beat Clay Regazzoni  (Ferrari) in a close battle that lasted till the last race of the season at Watkins Glen (picture here-under), for his second championship.

Emerson Fittipaldi, born 12 December 1946, won the Formula One Championship and the Indianapolis 500 twice each and the CART championship once.

He achieved 14 Grand Prix victories, 35 podiums, 6 pole positions and 281 career points during his Formula One career (from 1970 to 1980).