Brother of Emerson and father of Christian, Wilson Fittipaldi he was part of the Brazilian dynasty – of Lucanian origins – who brought the family surname to the Formula 1 circuits between the 70s and 90s.
Wilson Fittipaldi started racing karts, before moving to Formula Vee and F3, reaching the Formula 2 championship in 1971, where he managed to get a podium at Hockenheim.
The debut in Formula 1 came in 1972as a paying driver for the Brabham. There was a third place at the Brazilian GP which put him on the podium, but in a race not valid for the championship. His first season was decidedly disappointing, so much so that he didn't even collect a championship point.
In the 1973 took home the only points of his career – 3 – which gave him fifteenth place in the world championship (6th in Buenos Aires and 5th at the Nurburgring).
After a year's break, he saw himself back on track in 1975leading the Copersucar, the family stable supported by the Brazilian sugar factory. Only six reached the finish line, with 10th place at Watkins Glen as the best result: he therefore decided to hang up his helmet and dedicate himself to managing the team – which from the following season saw his brother Emerson (twice world champion) at the helm ).
Once the Copersucar adventure ended, he won – as a driver – some stages of the Brazilian Stock Car championship.
Last December 25th he had a heart attack and he died today in hospital in Sao Paulo.
The editorial team sends its condolences to the Fittipaldi family FormulaPassion.it.
#Mourning #Formula #Wilson #Fittipaldi #Emerson39s #brother #died #FormulaPassion.it
