Which Brazilian driver became the youngest Formula One champion at the time in 1972?

Emerson Fittipaldi became Formula One’s youngest World Champion at the time by winning the 1972 title.

Driving for Lotus, the Brazilian dominated the championship in the lightweight Lotus 72D. He won five of the season’s 12 World Championship Grands Prix and secured the title at the Italian Grand Prix, one round before the season ended. Fittipaldi finished with 61 points, ahead of Jackie Stewart’s 45.

He was 25 years old when he became champion, breaking Jackie Stewart’s record as the youngest title winner. Fittipaldi’s record stood until Fernando Alonso won the 2005 championship at age 24. Sebastian Vettel later became even younger in 2010.

Fittipaldi had already shown promise in 1970, helping Lotus after the death of team leader Jochen Rindt. His 1972 success made him Brazil’s first Formula One World Champion. He won a second title with McLaren in 1974 before later competing in IndyCar.