Emerson Fittipaldi pays tribute to his brother Wilson: ‘visionary’ – 02/25/2024 – Sport
[ad_1]
Two-time Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, 77, published this Sunday (25) a text in honor of his older brother, Wilson Fittipaldi Junior, who died on Friday (23), aged 80, victim of complications from an arrest heart attack suffered at the end of last year.
Emerson referred to his brother as a “warrior” and “visionary” when highlighting Wilson’s passion for speed. Pioneers of motorsport in the country, the two were responsible for the creation of Copersucar-Fittipaldi, the first and, to this day, only Brazilian team on the F1 grid.
“My brother and I grew up together in this fantastic sport that our father passed his passion on to us. We fought, built and went through great challenges. I really loved the warrior that Wilson was, a visionary who taught us a lot to overcome all obstacles “, wrote Emerson on Instagram.
The former driver thanked the fans for the messages and tributes given in recent days and said he was very moved by the procession that took the coffin with Wilson’s body for a final lap at the Interlagos Racetrack, on Saturday (24). He also apologized for not having given interviews or spoken out until then.
“I would like to apologize to friends, fans, everyone who follows us and the press itself, I still haven’t been able to respond to everyone at this difficult time, we needed these days of silence, just with the memories – which are so many – that Wilson leaves with us,” he added.
Responsible for Brazil’s first two F1 titles (1972 and 1974), Emerson was present at Interlagos on Saturday. Alongside his widow, Rita, and his nephew Christian, who also played in the category, the two-time champion followed the procession on top of the Fire Department truck carrying the coffin.
As part of the tributes, some iconic cars from Wilson’s career were taken to the racetrack, in particular a restored Copersucar-Fittipaldi, which was towed around the track on a trailer.
The burial of Wilson’s body was scheduled for this Sunday (25), at the Peace Cemetery, in São Paulo, in a ceremony for family and friends.
[ad_2]
Source link
