The Lotus 72 is yet another example of the design genius of Colin Chapman. Developed with the help of Maurice Philippe for the 1970 season, it introduced innovative solutions for the time, such as internally mounted brakes instead of on the wheels to reduce unsprung mass, radiators positioned on the sides rather than in front of the cockpit as had been customary since the 1950s, and an air intake for the engine placed above the driver's head.
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| LOTUS 72E, Ronnie Peterson Nürburgring, German GP 1975 |
The shape of the car resembles an arrow, with a very narrow front end that widens towards the rear, improving aerodynamic efficiency and making the car about 20 km/h faster than other single-seaters equipped with the same engine. With the radiators moved to the rear, large wings could be mounted on the sides of the nose, providing significant downforce to counterbalance the weight shift towards the back. Another key innovation was the use of the engine as a structural component, a technique already employed on the Lotus 49.
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| LOTUS 72E, Ronnie Peterson Watkins Glen International, USA GP 1975 |
Once handling issues were resolved, caused by the new suspension geometries incorporating an innovative anti-dive system to prevent the characteristic pitching during acceleration and braking, the 72 quickly proved to be a very fast and easy-to-drive car. However, drivers initially struggled to adapt due to the lack of forward dive under braking. Moving the radiators to the rear, next to the engine, not only allowed for a sleeker nose that improved aerodynamics but also shifted the weight distribution rearward, enhancing traction and cornering control.
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| LOTUS 72E, Brian Henton Zeltweg, GP d'Austria 1975 |
The Lotus 72 had an exceptionally long career, competing in five different Formula 1 seasons in various configurations. By 1975, the team was using the final version, the 72E, but it was no longer competitive against newer rivals, scoring only 9 points and finishing seventh in the constructors' standings. That year, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx drove the car, but from the British Grand Prix onwards, Ickx left the team and was replaced by Jim Crawford, John Watson, and Brian Henton. The private Gunston team also entered two Lotus 72s in the 1975 South African Grand Prix: a 72A driven by South African Eddie Keizan and a 72E piloted by Guy Tunmer.
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| LOTUS 72E Gunston, Guy Tunmer Kyalami, South African GP 1975 |
At the end of the season, the Lotus 72 was retired after proudly carrying the Lotus name for five years. It secured 20 race victories, two drivers' championships (the first with the late Jochen Rindt in 1970 and the second with Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972), and three constructors' titles (in 1970, 1972, and 1973). Thanks to its longevity, the Lotus 72 remains one of the most successful Formula 1 cars in history.
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