Formula 1 News: Wilson Fittipaldi loses fight for his life (Update)

As sad update to our previous post. Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. died on Friday at the age of 80.

The Brazilian had been in hospital since 25 December, the day he choked on a piece of meat during lunch. The former F1 driver was then taken to hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest. As a result, ‘Wilsinho’ died.

Wilson Fittipaldi was the brother of Emerson Fittipaldi, a two-time Formula 1 world champion. He may not have been as good as Emerson, but Wilson did have a respectable career in Formula 1. He eventually competed in three seasons in the premier class of motorsport, racing in 38 Grands Prix.

Former F1 driver Wilson Fittipaldi Jr. suffered a heart attack while celebrating his 80th birthday over the Christmas Holidays.

The former driver went a long time without oxygen until he was revived in the Emergency room and the fear is that he may have suffered severe brain damage as a result.

He remains sedated and intubated and an MRI and Cat scan are planned to determine whether he still has any brain damage.

Doctors have tried to remove the sedation, but it has not yet been possible because of the constant spasms.

Wilson Fittipaldi is the brother of 2-time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

The family has been asking for prayers for the former driver’s health.

Wilson’s son, Christian Fittipaldi, told GP that his father’s health condition is “stable” at the moment and that the main concern, in addition to the neurological part – it has been eight days since hospitalization – is with possible infections, common to patients who suffer cardiac arrests. The situation, however, is under control.

This news comes on the back of Gil de Ferran dying at 56 from a heart attack, and NASCAR legend Cale Yarborough dying at 84.