Ronnie Peterson

Ronnie Peterson was probably the most famous and most successful Swede ever to race in F1. He started his F1 career in 1970, driving for March, before moving to Lotus in 1973. In 1973 and 1974, he won 7 Grands Prix, and finished third and fifth in the championship respectively. Moving back to March in 1976, he won the Italian Grand Prix before moving to Tyrrell to drive the wonderful 6 wheeled P34, but a move back to Lotus and the revolutionary ground effect Lotus 79 re-invigorated him. As Mario Andretti's team mate, he dutifully played the role of second driver, earning 2 wins. He had signed for the McLaren team, replacing James Hunt for 1979, but sadly was never able to take his place. He was tragically killed from leg injury complications after an horrific crash at the start of the 1978 Italian Grand Prix. He finished second in the championship posthumously. Ronnie was the fastest driver in F1 throughout the 1970s. Always a team player, he was a shy, friendly man who is now a legend.