Wilson Fittipaldi Jr has died after he was hospitalised following a choking incident whereas consuming his Christmas dinner.
Former Formula 1 driver and staff proprietor Fittipaldi – who was 80 – choked on a bit of meat in the course of the December festivities. He then suffered a cardiac arrest earlier than being resuscitated at hospital, nevertheless it’s since been confirmed he has died from the ensuing sickness.
“It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr,” learn an announcement from Fabiana Ecclestone, vice-president of motorsport for FIA South America. “His departure leaves an irreparable void within the vehicle scene and within the lives of those that had the privilege of realizing him.
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“His dedication and efforts had been elementary in consolidating the nation as an essential protagonist on the worldwide racing scene. In this second of mourning, we specific our most honest condolences to the household, associates and admirers of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.”
The Brazilian made 35 starts in F1 between 1972 and 1975, during which time he founded the only Brazilian F1 team, Fittipaldi-Copersucar. His F1 career highlights include a fifth-place finish at the German Grand Prix and a run to sixth at the Argentinian Grand Prix, both while on the books at Brabham in 1973.
Fittipaldi – who was born on Christmas Day 1943 – adopted his dad, Wilson Sr, into motorsport and drove quite a lot of vehicles as a youth. Younger brother Emerson was the primary to search out his approach to F1 with Lotus in 1969 earlier than his older sibling joined him in Europe the next 12 months.
His earliest experiences on the continent noticed him go up towards the likes of James Hunt and Niki Lauda in Formula 3. He made his F1 debut for Team Lotus alongside brother Emerson within the non-championship Argentinian GP, the place he was compelled to retire.
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