The Brazilian Automobile Confederation (CBA) announced the passing of Fittipaldi Jr., popularly known as Wilsinho. According to a statement from the CBA, he peacefully passed away, surrounded by loved ones. Wilsinho participated in 38 Formula 1 races during the 1970s, initially driving for Brabham and later for Fittipaldi-Copersucar, the first and only Brazilian Formula 1 team, which he established alongside his brother.
Giovanni Guerra, the head of the CBA, paid tribute to Wilsinho, highlighting his talent, progressive vision, and the courage he demonstrated in elevating Brazil’s reputation in a previously unimaginable way. The Fittipaldi-Copersucar project was undoubtedly ahead of its time.
Emerson, Wilsinho’s brother, won Formula 1 world championships in 1972 and 1974 with Lotus and McLaren, respectively, before joining Fittipaldi-Copersucar in 1976. Although the project achieved three podium finishes in 103 starts, a victory eluded them.
While Wilsinho’s presence may have faded from international attention, he returned to racing in the 1980s and early 1990s, competing in the Brazilian Stock Car championship and securing several victories. Additionally, he participated in the classic Brazilian race Mil Milhas in 1994 and 1995 as part of the winning Porsche team, alongside his son Christian Fittipaldi. In 1998, he returned to the Brazilian Stock Car championship.
Wilsinho also made a special appearance for Mercedes-Benz in the Nürburgring stage of the FIA European Truck Racing Cup in 2000. In 2008, he and his brother Emerson competed in the Brazilian GT3 Championship, sharing a Porsche 997 GT3 managed by WB Motorsports.
Survived by his children Christian and Roberta, both of whom also competed in Formula 1 in the early 1990s, Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.’s legacy lives on. (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo and Eduardo Simões)
