Bengt Ronnie Peterson, a Swedish racing driver born in 1944, competed in Formula One from 1970 to 1978. Known as "Superswede," he secured ten Grand Prix victories over nine seasons and twice finished as the runner-up in the Formula One World Drivers' Championship, establishing a significant record within the international motorsport arena before his death in 1978.
Early Career and Formula Three
Peterson was born in the Almby borough of Örebro. He refined his driving style early through kart racing, winning Swedish titles in 1963 and 1964. He transitioned to cars by co-designing the Svebe, a 1-litre, Brabham-derived vehicle, with his father and Sven Andersson. His performance in the category attracted the Italian company Tecno, leading to his victory in both the 1969 Formula Three Championship and the Monaco Grand Prix Formula Three support race.
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In 1970, Peterson made his Grand Prix debut at Monaco in a March 701 for the Antique Automobiles Racing Team. Moving to the full March works team in 1971, he finished the season as runner-up to Jackie Stewart in the World Championship. During this period, he also won the 1971 European Formula Two Championship and the Watkins Glen 6 hours while driving an Autodelta Alfa Romeo. He remained with March until 1973.
Team Lotus and Success
Peterson joined John Player Team Lotus in 1973 to partner Emerson Fittipaldi, claiming victories at the French, Austrian, Italian, and United States Grands Prix. Following a difficult 1975 season, he returned to March in 1976 and won the Italian Grand Prix. After a stint with Tyrrell in 1977, where he drove the six-wheeled P34B, he returned to Lotus for the 1978 season. He served as the teammate to Mario Andretti, winning the South African and Austrian Grands Prix.
Fatal Accident and Legacy
During the 1978 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Peterson was involved in a first-lap accident. He passed away on 11 September 1978 at the age of 34 in Milan. He was subsequently buried at Almby Cemetery. His career results, including his second-place finish in the 1978 World Drivers' Championship standings, remain documented in the annals of professional motor racing.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Örebro, Sweden
- Died: 1978, Milan, Italy
- Notable Nickname: Superswede
- Formula One Career: 1970-1978
- Championship Runner-up: 1971, 1978
- Total Formula One Wins: 10
- Burial Site: Almby Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Which teams did Ronnie Peterson race for during his Formula One career?
He competed for March Engineering, Team Lotus, and Tyrrell.
What was Peterson's best finish in the World Drivers' Championship?
He finished as the championship runner-up twice, in 1971 and 1978.
Achievements
- Represented March Engineering, Tyrrell Racing and Team Lotus
- Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Discipline: auto racing
