Fittipaldi Wins Belgian Grand Prix in Stewart's Absence
In 1972 the Belgian Grand Prix was held at the Nivelles circuit, after Spa-Francorchamps was judged to be too dangerous. A notable absentee was defending world champion Jackie Stewart, who had been struggling with illness all year and was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer. François Cevert was therefore the only Tyrrell driver at the event.
Emerson Fittipaldi’s Lotus and Denny Hulme’s McLaren set identical qualifying times but the Brazilian made a poor start. Ferrari’s Clay Regazzoni led early on but Fittipaldi recovered to take the lead after nine laps. It was still Fittipaldi ahead at the chequered flag. Cevert boosted morale at Tyrrell by finishing second, while Hulme came home in third.
A week after the Belgian Grand Prix Jo Bonnier was killed at Le Mans. Although not a Formula 1 driver in 1972 the Swede was well respected in the racing community. Bonnier made his Formula 1 debut in 1956 and competed in his last Grand Prix in 1971. The sole victory of his career came at the 1959 Dutch Grand Prix, driving a BRM. It was also the first Grand Prix win for the British marque.
Stewart Beats Fittipaldi and Amon at Clermont-Ferrand
Stewart was back in his Tyrrell for the next race, the French Grand Prix on the Clermont-Ferrand road circuit. Cevert tried a new Tyrrell in practice, but managed to spin and damage the car. The race looked like finally bringing a win for the luckless Chris Amon.
The New Zealander led comfortably in his V12 Matra, only to suffer a puncture. It was a fate which befell several other drivers, including Hulme and Patrick Depailler, who was driving a third Tyrrell. Stewart drove carefully to win his comeback race, from Fittipaldi in second and a frustrated Amon in third.
The proliferation of punctures during the race was caused by loose stones. A far more serious incident occurred when BRM’s Helmut Marko was struck by a stone thrown up by Ronnie Peterson’s March. The stone pierced his visor, causing a serious eye injury which ended his Formula 1 career.
Fittipaldi First at Brands Hatch
At Brands Hatch Stewart tried out the new Tyrrell, only to do the same as Cevert had in France, crashing in practice. Fastest man at the Kent track was Jacky Ickx in his Ferrari. Starting from pole he led the race, only to be forced into retirement by an oil leak. Stewart had a strong race and finished close behind the winner, Fittipaldi. In third place was Peter Revson, over a minute behind.
Ickx Dominates German Grand Prix for Ferrari
Ickx was again on pole at the next race in Germany. This time his Ferrari had no reliability issues and the Belgian driver led from start to finish, smashing the Nurburgring lap record in the process. Stewart’s title hopes received a boost when Fittipaldi’s Lotus retired but, on the last lap, Stewart and Regazzoni collided. Regazzoni continued to finish second, but Stewart was out on the spot. Third place was taken by an impressive Ronnie Peterson, driving for March.
The review of the 1972 Formula 1 season continues here.
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