Brazil, scorched earth of F1!

Five years since the country of Fittipaldi, Piquet and other Sennas no longer had a starter on the Grand Prix grid, and thirteen since it no longer had the honor of victory. A look at a nation orphaned by its champions!

Published on 16/11/2022 à 15:00

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Auriverde Desert © Florent Gooden / DPPI

What was it like before in Brazil?

Emerson Fittipaldi: it all started with him. World champion in 1972 with Lotus, “Emmo” added a second title in 1974 with McLaren. Nelson Piquet succeeded him with three titles won in 1981, 83 and 87. Three new coronations, signed Ayrton Senna, in 1988, 90 and 91 enriched the national record. The impact was all the stronger as, at the same time, the national football team shone less. It was no longer just the F1 which made the fans proud, but all the major disciplines of motorsport: Emerson Fittipaldi won the 500 Miles, Helio Castroneves would imitate him later. Rising F1 star Rubens Barrichello was destined for glory. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to go as planned. Rubinho would, of course, win races with Ferrari, but dominated by Michael Schumacher,