Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1972 Formula One World Championship at age 25, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport's history at that time.
Key Facts
- Season number
- 26th FIA Formula One season
- Races held
- 12 championship races
- Champion's age
- 25 years old
- Champion's team
- Lotus (driving Lotus 72)
- Season span
- 23 January – 8 October 1972
- BRM's last win
- Jean-Pierre Beltoise, Monaco Grand Prix
By the Numbers
Cause → Event → Consequence
Lotus had finished fifth in the 1971 constructors' standings but continued developing their innovative Lotus 72 wedge-shaped car, which featured a distinctive black and gold livery sponsored by Imperial Tobacco's John Player Special brand. Emerson Fittipaldi was entrusted as the team's lead driver.
The 1972 Formula One World Championship ran over twelve races from January to October. Emerson Fittipaldi dominated for Lotus, claiming the title at age 25 and becoming the youngest world champion in the sport's history. BRM secured its final victory at the rain-hit Monaco Grand Prix through Jean-Pierre Beltoise. John Surtees retired from racing at season's end.
Fittipaldi's record as youngest champion stood until Fernando Alonso claimed the title in 2005. The Lotus 72 design was vindicated as a championship-winning concept. BRM's Monaco win proved to be the storied British constructor's last ever Formula One victory, marking the decline of the team in subsequent seasons.