FITTIPALDI F5A Ford-Cosworth DFV

    The 1978 season was the best in the history of the Brazilian Fittipaldi Automotive team. The F5 single-seater, designed by engineers Dave Baldwin and Giacomo Caliri, had debuted in the second half of 1977 without achieving significant results, although it secured an encouraging fourth place at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. For the new season, the designers refined the car without altering the chassis and suspension, maintaining the wheelbase at 2616 mm, but revolutionized its appearance to the point where the F5A looked like a completely different car from its original version.

FITTIPALDI F5A, Emerson Fittipaldi
Brands Hatch, British GP 1978

   The most visible changes were in the nose, which now integrated an air intake with a radiator, and the side pods, which were transformed into true "wing-car" tunnels. Inside, they housed the cooling system for the Ford Cosworth DFV engine. The lower sections of the side pods were sculpted to generate ground effect, with rigid skirts sealing the airflow. The side pods ended in front of the rear wheels with two aerodynamic diffusers that improved ground-effect efficiency. The engine cover was left open, exposing the intake trumpets of the power unit.

FITTIPALDI F5A, Emerson Fittipaldi
Zandvoort, Dutch GP 1978

   A key strategic decision for the team's improvement was Wilson Fittipaldi’s move to relocate the team's operational base to Reading, England. This allowed easier access to specialized engineers, closer proximity to component suppliers (all European at the time), and reduced logistical costs by avoiding frequent intercontinental travel.

FITTIPALDI F5A, Emerson Fittipaldi
Jacarepaguà, Brazilian GP 1978

   The F5A proved to be one of the most successful and visually striking wing-cars of the season, thanks to its bright yellow livery and an aerodynamic design that was both sleek and aggressive. With this car, Emerson Fittipaldi scored 17 points in the World Championship, achieving the best result in the team’s history: a second-place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, in front of his home crowd. Fittipaldi Automotive finished the season seventh in the Constructors' standings.

 FITTIPALDI F5A, Emerson Fittipaldi
Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1978

   The F5A’s career did not end in 1978; it continued to be used in the early part of 1979, achieving decent results, and remained in competition until 1980 in various British Formula 1 events. Although the team never managed to replicate the success of 1978, that season marked an important chapter in the history of the Brazilian squad, showcasing its engineering capabilities and the determination of a team that dared to challenge the giants of Formula 1.