Wilson Fittipaldi Jr, aged 80, has passed away after being hospitalized following a choking incident while having his Christmas dinner.
The former Formula 1 driver and team owner choked on a piece of meat during the December festivities, leading to a cardiac arrest. Despite being resuscitated at the hospital, he succumbed to the resulting illness.
Fabiana Ecclestone, vice-president of motorsport for FIA South America, expressed deep sorrow at Fittipaldi’s passing, noting his significant contributions to the automobile scene and international racing. Fittipaldi made 35 starts in F1 between 1972 and 1975, during which time he founded the only Brazilian F1 team, Fittipaldi-Copersucar.
Born on Christmas Day in 1943, Fittipaldi followed his father, Wilson Sr, into motorsport and achieved notable success in various racing series. Tributes poured in after the news of his death, with many expressing condolences to the Fittipaldi family and honoring his legacy in the sport.
