The story of how Formula 1 came to Anderstorp and Sweden between 1973 and 1978.
Ronnie Peterson nicknamed “Superswede” was the fastest formula 1-driver in the 70s who never became a world champion.
1977 saw Niki Lauda start the season, scarred but fit. And determined to put his horrific accident in '76 behind him. Despite Lauda's poor start and total of only 3 wins for the season, he picked up points at all but three GPs, and was rewarded for his consistency with his second championship victory. Lauda chose not to complete the season, and instead, Ferrari gave the drive to a young and ambitious Gilles Villeneuve.
1976 saw reigning Champion Niki Lauda start as the favourite in his Ferrari, as nearest rival Emerson Fittipaldi made the patriotic switch from McLaren to the Brazilian-funded Copersucar team. This left a hole at McLaren, filled by the ambitious, British hopeful, James Hunt, to set the scene for a dramatic season of racing. 1976 will probably be best remembered for Lauda's horrific accident at the Nurburgring that nearly ended his life and saw him rushed to hospital with major burns. His resilience and dedication to racing saw him make a remarkable recovery, returning six weeks later to ensure a thrilling climax to a season that ended with only one point separating 1st and 2nd place in the championship. Again it was the last eventful race in Japan that decided the title.
Ronnie Peterson, born on February 14, 1944, in Örebro, Sweden, was a highly talented and charismatic Formula One driver. Known as the "Super Swede," Peterson was celebrated for his remarkable speed and skill, particularly in cars with less competitive setups. He achieved 10 Grand Prix victories and numerous podium finishes during his career. Tragically, Peterson passed away on September 11, 1978, in Milan, Italy, following complications from injuries sustained in a crash at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. His legacy endures as one of Formula One’s most beloved drivers.
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