At the close of 1973, Emerson Fittipaldi surprised everyone by parting company from the dominant Formula 1 team, Lotus, to join McLaren, a team that was becoming increasingly competitive. As a former world champion, it was a coup for McLaren and Fittipaldi quickly established himself within the team since he brought with him his knowledge of the once-invincible Lotus 72.
At a time when F1 cars were sensibly permitted to test on race tracks, he was in his element since he enjoyed testing more than the actual races. Due to his input, the new Gordon Coppuck–designed McLaren M23 was modified, becoming slightly longer and with a wider track. With excellent aerodynamics, the M23 was a forgiving grand prix car which took Emerson to his second drivers title in 1974 having secured three wins and seven podium finishes. He is shown in the photograph at the wheel of his Marlboro Team Texaco McLaren M23 entering Hawthorns at the Brands Hatch circuit during the 1974 British grand prix. Having started eighth on the grid he worked his way through the field to finish second behind the Tyrrell of Jody Scheckter.
From the book ‘Moments in Motorsport’ by Trevor Legate
