The former F1 star and team owner had been in hospital since Christmas. Fittipaldi – brother of former world champions Emerson – choked on a piece of meat during dinner and his family were unable to clear his airway. It read: “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. His departure leaves an irreparable void in the automobile scene and in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. One person posted: “What sad news 😔 RIP 🇧🇷 Wilson Fittipaldi 🕯️.”. A second wrote: “Sad to hear about Wilson Fittipaldi passing away.”. In 2020, Fittipaldi had a fall at his house and was diagnosed with a cerebral haemorrhage. Fittipaldi started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975, claiming three points during his short career in the sport. Alongside his brother Emerson, he set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team – Fittipaldi-Copersucar – in 1974.

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