Podcast: Emerson Fittipaldi, Centenary Stories

Emerson Fittipaldi joins Rob Widdows in the latest episode of our centenary series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport through the eyes of some of its greatest characters.

In a little over an hour, the two-time F1 world champion looks back on a glittering motor sport career: from his first trip to England and his F1 deal with Colin Chapman, to contending against the next generation of F1 drivers and the struggles of creating his own F1 outfit. He also speaks on his friendship with Ronnie Peterson; his decision to leave Lotus; joining McLaren; and his fierce rivalry with IndyCar star Al Unser Jr.

There’s the story of how close he came to a shock retirement after becoming the youngest world champion in F1 history — a decision which was ultimately swayed by the wise words of his father.

Following his own retirement from the cockpit, Fittipaldi speaks on the motor sport career of his sons — Pietro, Enzo and Emerson Jr — and why he choses to watch from behind the scenes in a new age of racing.