WILSON FITTIPALDI has died at the age of 80.
The former F1 star and team owner had been in hospital since Christmas.
Fittipaldi – brother of former world champions Emerson – choked on a piece of meat during dinner and his family were unable to clear his airway.
This led to him suffering a cardiac arrest and being rushed to hospital after being resuscitated.
But he remained in poor heath and unfortunately passed away on Friday.
Vice-president of motorsport for South America at the FIA, Fabiana Ecclestone, released a statement following Fittipaldi’s death.
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It read: “It is with deep sorrow that we receive the news of the passing of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. His departure leaves an irreparable void in the automobile scene and in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His dedication and efforts were fundamental in consolidating the country as an important protagonist on the international racing scene.
“In this moment of mourning, we express our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and admirers of Wilson Fittipaldi Jr.
“May they find comfort in the memories of his brilliant career and in the legacy he left for the sport he loved so much. May he rest in peace.”
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Tributes have also flooded in for Fittipaldi on social media.
One person posted: “What sad news 😔 RIP 🇧🇷 Wilson Fittipaldi 🕯️.”
A second wrote: “Sad to hear about Wilson Fittipaldi passing away.”
A third commented: “Sad, sad news.”
In 2020, Fittipaldi had a fall at his house and was diagnosed with a cerebral haemorrhage.
He was operated on a couple of days after and made a recovery.
He continued to be active on social media and present at motorsports events.
He was in the paddock at the Brazilian Grand Prix last year as he continued to follow the sport.
Fittipaldi started 35 F1 races between 1972 and 1975, claiming three points during his short career in the sport.
Alongside his brother Emerson, he set up the first and only Brazilian F1 team – Fittipaldi-Copersucar – in 1974.
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The team raced in F1 from 1975 to 1982.
He managed his son Christian, 53, between 1992 and 1994 as a F1 driver.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
