Ronnie Peterson lit up Formula 1 in the seventies with his breathtaking car control, but the popular Swede suffered a crash at Monza which subsequently claimed his life.
Peterson's Childhood and Early Races
As a child Peterson was not academic and did not care for school. Born in Orebro, Sweden, in 1944, his father Bengt was an accomplished engineer. Among his creations were several racing cars and this doubtlessly fuelled his son’s passion for the sport.
Peterson’s first race came in 1959, on a moped. He also practised his driving on a small tractor which was modified considerably over the years. In 1960 Peterson started working as a mechanic at a Renault dealership, and the following year constructed a kart with help from his father. His first kart races followed in 1962 and it was a series in which he won numerous Swedish titles.
After the Renault dealership Peterson found another job working as an elevator technician but his future lay in racing cars. In 1966 he gained his car racing license at the Kasrlskoga circuit, under the tutelage of Reine Wisell, who would go on to compete for Lotus in Formula 1.
Peterson’s Formula 3 car was another home-made creation, based on the successful Brabhams of the period. It was good enough for him to finish third in his debut race. In the autumn Peterson finally got his hands on a genuine Brabham, but crashed it comprehensively during his first race in the car.
1967 was a good year for Peterson, as he finished fifth in the Swedish championship, while his one time mentor Wisell claimed the title. 1968 was even better as Peterson, now driving an Italian Tecno, won the championship outright. The following season saw Peterson compete in 31 races and score 16 victories. It was also the year that he met his future wife, Barbro Edwardsson.
Formula 1 Debut in 1970
At Monaco in 1970 Peterson made his Formula debut, driving a privately entered March 701 for the British Antique Automobiles team. Displaying no sign of nerves he drove an accomplished race to finish seventh. The March concern was in its first year of Formula 1 and the 701 was certainly not the best car on the grid. Defending World Champion Jackie Stewart struggled throughout 1970 with his Tyrrell entered 701.
Peterson also competed in Formula 2 during 1970, ending the year fourth overall, in addition to some sports car appearances for Jo Bonnier’s team. During the year Peterson relocated from Sweden to England, and signed for March to drive for the works team in 1971.
Peterson's Formula 1 career, 1971-1975.
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