Flashback: Local hero Fittipaldi triumphs at first Brazilian Grand Prix

Emerson Fittipaldi delivered a commanding victory on home soil at Interlagos in front of an ecstatic crowd, securing his second win from as many rounds to strengthen his early lead in the 1973 Formula 1 World Championship.

The Lotus driver controlled the race from start to finish, surviving intense heat, local pressure, and early drama involving teammate Ronnie Peterson.

A year after hosting its first non-championship event, the Brazilian Grand Prix became an official round of the Formula 1 calendar, with fans flocking to São Paulo to support national hero Fittipaldi. Lotus arrived as clear favourite, having tested extensively before the event. Peterson claimed his maiden pole position ahead of Fittipaldi, followed by Jacky Ickx’s Ferrari and Clay Regazzoni’s BRM.

When the lights went out, Fittipaldi made the better start to lead into the first corner. Local driver Carlos Pace thrilled the crowd by slotting into second ahead of Peterson, while Jackie Stewart climbed quickly into contention.

The Swede soon fought back but his challenge ended abruptly on lap six when a rear wheel detached from his Lotus, sending him off at high speed. He escaped unhurt, but the incident left Fittipaldi free to control the race.

Fittipaldi built a steady gap of around ten seconds to Stewart, who ran second in the Tyrrell but could not match the pace of the Lotus. Denny Hulme recovered from a poor start, passing Ickx and Beltoise to move into third. Mechanical attrition struck several contenders, with Pace, Hailwood and Revson all retiring early.

By mid-distance, Fittipaldi led Stewart by 13 seconds, with Hulme a further half-minute behind. Beltoise’s BRM failed with electrical trouble, and Regazzoni’s Firestones again wore out, forcing a late stop. Ferrari’s pair of Merzario and Ickx ran consistently to secure solid points, while retirements thinned the field further down.

The final laps were straightforward as Fittipaldi managed traffic and temperature with precision. Behind him, Stewart settled for second, and Hulme completed the podium after a strong recovery from 13th on lap one.

Merzario and Ickx brought both Ferraris home fourth and fifth, with Regazzoni taking the final point for BRM. Ganley, Lauda, Galli, Cevert, Reutemann and Bueno completed the classified finishers.

As the chequered flag fell, the crowd invaded the track to celebrate their hero. Fittipaldi raised a giant Brazilian flag, saluted by Colin Chapman from the pit wall.

It marked a perfect start to his title defence, giving Lotus two wins from two races and an 18-point total against Stewart’s 10, while Lotus led Tyrrell by six points in the Constructors’ standings.