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| Lotus 72 |
Unlike the 25, there was no single aspect of the 72 that was responsible for its clear superiority over its rivals. Instead there were several minor, but significant, contributory factors, all blended together beautifully. The car's wedge shape was more aerodynamically effective than the 'toothpaste tube' styles prevalent until then.The siting of the oil and water radiators at the side, rather than the front of the car, made for a concentration of its masses towards the centre, which provided more responsive handling. Furthermore its inboard suspension and brakes produced smoother airflow and less unsprung weight, while its torsion-bar springing helped endow it with excellent mechanical grip, traction and rising-rate geometry. It all made for a car that Jochen Rindt claimed 'even a monkey could win races in'.
After winning four Grands Prix in succession with the car, Rindt was killed in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix, but his points score was not surpassed before the end of the season, and thus he became the sport's only posthumous World Champion. His place as Lotus team leader was taken by Emerson Fittipaldi, who went on to win the 1972 World Championship with the can Even in its fourth year of competition, the 72 was still the fastest car in the field, Ronnie Peterson using it to gain a record nine pole positions. It won three more Grands Prix in 1974 and did not finally retire until the end of 1975.