« Indy was much friendlier than F1 », Emerson Fittipaldi looks back on a successful career

He has neither lost his faith nor his French. Emerson Fittipaldi, many years after his last interviews in the language of Molière, insisted on answering us in French. « I have to make the effort. And I want to get back into the habit », confided the double world champion of 1972 and 1974.

After starting the competition in Brazil, you moved to Europe. For many drivers from South America, it is difficult to leave their family and life for a career. Was that the case for you?

It was a dream to arrive in Europe. I had just finished a three-year stint in Brazil. I started with motorcycles, I did boating and karting. When I arrived in England, I bought a Formula Ford, it's the cheapest for a young driver. I tried to get good results.

I made a deal with a company that built the engines for these cars. During the week, I worked in their garage. And in exchange, as payment, I received the engine for my races.

When you arrived in Formula 1, you were with Lotus. At that time, it was the best thing that could happen to you...

After three months of Formula Ford, I was invited to drive in a Formula 3 Grand Prix and I had a lot of success with that car. It caught Colin Chapman's attention. He called me to take the wheel of a Formula 1.

It was fantastic to be with Colin Chapman. The Lotus team was very high-performing at that time. My God, thank you for this opportunity.

Your arrival was still marked by a rather surprising phrase from Colin Chapman. He supposedly told you, "Let's not be too close. I've lost a lot of drivers."

It was a big shock when he told me that. Because it was the truth... In the 60s, 70s, he lost many drivers. Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt... And even after.

Colin Chapman was actually very humane. Young people don't know it, but he was very close to his drivers. He had a great deal of respect. He had a big heart.

At the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuïc, you refused to start the race for safety reasons. In terms of the championship and defending your title, it was risky.

It's a decision I made after talking with Teddy Mayer, the owner of McLaren. I was under a lot of pressure from everyone. The brands and sponsors were present the night before the race and I told them that I was not going to race. It was a shock.

I had a feeling that it was impossible to leave. I felt that we shouldn't race. It has often been a disaster here.

It was difficult to make this decision. When I arrived in Geneva, on my way home, Swiss television was waiting for me. They wanted to interview me about what had happened. But I didn't know what had happened.*

During that same race, Lella Lombardi became the first woman to finish in the points zone in Formula 1. In your opinion, would she have deserved a longer career?

She piloted very well. She was very focused, determined. I had a lot of respect for her, especially during that difficult time when cars were really not simple.

It was hard for her. The March was not the best car on the grid. But she didn't give up, she remained determined. She led the way. Today, we only see men in the world championship. I hope that in the years to come, they will be able to compete against men.

At the end of 1975, you left McLaren to join Copersucar. Was that a big challenge to take on?

It was a challenge. With my brother (Wilson), we built karts, Formula Vee, prototypes, we made a lot of cars. We loved the technical part. The decision was natural.

You've raced in Monaco and Indianapolis. Has Le Mans never tempted you?

In 1992, a team was supposed to be created with Mario and Michael Andretti. I spoke with Roger Penske, and he agreed to the idea. But I had another race at the same time, so I couldn't accept. Therefore, it couldn't happen.

What does the Triple Crown represent to you?

It's something very important. It's difficult to achieve. Mario Andretti never managed to win it, like other great drivers. Only Graham Hill has won it.

Between Formula 1 and CART, where does your heart lean?

Indy is more friendly in the paddock, with family, friends, and sponsors. I had more fun there than in Formula 1.

When I was driving, Indy cars and Formula 1 cars were almost the same. When Ayrton Senna drove mine, he was very surprised, the feeling was almost the same. Whereas today, it's totally different.

Emerson Fittipaldi's Career in Brief

• 1970 British Grand Prix: debut in F1
• Double world champion: 1972 and 1974. Youngest double world champion at the time. 13 total wins
• Raced in CART from 1984 to 1996: 21 victories and champion in 1989.
• Two victories at the Indianapolis 500: 1989 and 1993.
• Participation in the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo in 2014, a World Endurance Championship event.

*Rolf Stommelen lost his wing, which made his car uncontrollable. He then went over the guardrails. Four people died and about ten were injured.