Nordic cool

Ronnie Peterson brought the same Nordic cool to Formula 1 that Björn Borg delivered on Centre Court. Calm, composed, and blindingly fast, he raced with a rare grace.

Team player

In 1973, he signed for John Player Team Lotus, to partner Emerson Fittipaldi. Except for a brief spell at Tyrrell in 1977, Lotus was the team he stayed with until his death.

Fast, but not first

In 1973, he took nine pole positions, but only won one race. Technical failures and team dynamics often denied him the championship his speed warranted.

All about the speed

Known for opposite-lock slides and fearless overtakes, Peterson was called the sport’s "SuperSwede." His driving style, about speed and control, was not dissimilar to Ayrton Senna's.

Duty bound

In 1978, Peterson played a loyal number two to Mario Andretti at Lotus. Though Peterson was often faster, he was nevertheless instructed to hold second position.

September 10 1978

The 1978 Italian Grand Prix resulted in horror. A chaotic start and poor stewarding caused cars to be bunched together. James Hunt collided with Peterson, with many drivers involved in the ensuing melee. Peterson ended up with 27 fractures in his legs and feet.

A flame extinguished

Although his injuries were initially not thought to be life-threatening, his condition worsened. He was diagnosed with fat embolism and died in hospital the following day. His teammate Mario Andretti clinched the championship at the race.

Lasting legacy

He died at just 34, with 10 wins and 26 podiums. He is considered to be one of the best Formula One drivers never to have won a championship and the best driver Sweden has ever produced. In a tragic postscript, his widow Barbro, who never got over his death, committed suicide some nine years later.