Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1972 Belgian Grand Prix from pole position, strengthening his campaign for the World Championship that year.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Emerson Fittipaldi (Lotus)
- Starting position (winner)
- Pole position
- Race length
- 85 laps laps
- Championship round
- Race 5 of 12
- Second place
- François Cevert (Tyrrell)
- Third place
- Denny Hulme (McLaren)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1972 Formula One season brought competitors to the Nivelles circuit in Belgium for the fifth round of the World Championship of Drivers and the International Cup for Formula One Manufacturers. Reigning champion Jackie Stewart was absent, sidelined by gastritis after an overloaded schedule of racing, television work, and sponsorship commitments.
On 4 June 1972, Emerson Fittipaldi led the 85-lap race from pole position to victory for Lotus. François Cevert finished second for Tyrrell and Denny Hulme took third for McLaren, with Stewart's absence making the result a notable shift in the competitive order.
Fittipaldi's victory bolstered his position in the 1972 World Championship standings. Stewart, following medical advice, cancelled his Can-Am commitments and US television work for the rest of the season, significantly curtailing his racing programme in 1972.