LEGENDS: When Emerson Fittipaldi shocked Formula 1

LEGENDS: When Emerson Fittipaldi shocked Formula 1

From F1 Beyond The Grid by Formula 1

May 5, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

Emerson Fittipaldi discusses his decision to leave McLaren and start his own F1 team, Copersucar, reflecting on his career and passion for racing.

Why would a double F1 World Champion at the height of his powers walk away from a winning car? For the 1976 season, Emerson Fittipaldi stunned the sport by leaving McLaren and setting up his own team. He wanted a challenge, and he certainly got one. 50 years later, Emerson tells Tom Clarkson why he and his brother Wilson launched Copersucar, a team based in their home country of Brazil. He also remembers the dramatic events that led him to start his own team – winning the World Championship with Lotus and considering retirement before winning a second title with McLaren, and the conversations with Ferrari which could have changed the course of his career. Emerson’s passion for F1 still burns bright. He drove his championship-winning M23 in Miami at a McLaren showrun. He also keeps a close eye on every Grand Prix, and gives his views on Kimi Antonelli’s impressive start to the 2026 season. This episode is sponsored by: Vanta: get started at vanta.com/GRID . Shopify: sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com/beyondthegrid

People in this episode

Host: Tom Clarkson

Guest: Emerson Fittipaldi

Topics covered

  • Emerson Fittipaldi
  • Formula 1 history
  • team ownership
  • McLaren
  • Brazilian motorsport
  • racing challenges

Keywords

  • Emerson Fittipaldi
  • Formula 1
  • McLaren
  • Copersucar
  • Lotus
  • Ferrari
  • Kimi Antonelli
  • 1976 season
  • World Champion

Sponsors

Vanta, Shopify

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: McLaren, Copersucar, Lotus, Ferrari

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