The Champion Who Shocked Formula 1 | Emerson Fittipaldi | F1 Beyond The Grid Legends

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. For more F1® videos, visit: https://www.Formula1.com Visit our store: https://f1store.formula1.com/ Follow F1®: https://www.instagram.com/F1 https://www.facebook.com/Formula1/ https://www.twitter.com/F1 https://www.twitch.tv/formula1 https://www.tiktok.com/@f1 #F1