Ronnie Peterson – the flying Swede

Ronnie Peterson at Zandvoort on 21 June 1970.

Ronnie Peterson, talent and charisma. Still a strong presence into the mind and heart of all of the F1 lovers after so many years. Ronnie, silent champion, passion for driving.

Ronnie Peterson, Italy, 1971.

Monza 1971. At the finish line, after the last thrilling laps, Peter Gethin on BRM precedes Ronnie Peterson on March.

Formula one from the start till Senna's years was all about skills, from then on it’s all about technology. The risk factor has diminished enormously and with it there’s a vital component of the races of the past missing, the courage and determination to face it. This has meant a mutation in driver characteristics.

Nivelles-Baulers, Belgium, 12 May 1974. Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 76-Ford, retired, chats to Colin Chapman in the pits.

“Ronnie drives absolutely flat-out, all the time. If he’s off the pace, then it might be the car, not him.” Colin Chapman.

"The car must break into piece, after the race in order to win." Colin Chapman.

The too short story of Ronnie Peterson began going go-karting. Despite his being quite tall and, therefore, with a considerable body weight, he achieved some successes and learned the art of the opposite lock, that will markedly characterise his flamboyant driving style also in years to come.

A young Ronnie Peterson, F3, at Monaco in 1968.

The fastest of a generation made up of really quick people, until that burning at Monza fraught with mistery. Ronnie, not much of a funny guy, at all, serious and even shadowy, said: “to keep my equilibrium I need to go fast, I always need to push the car to the limit. If I slow down just a little I start making some mistakes, so I am under better circumstances when I push hard”.

Ronnie Peterson Vicks advert.

Gilles Villeneuve said after some years: “people want drivers who come off the turn brushing the way Ronnie Peterson did!“

A driving style that knew how to charm and that we’d never see again on track. And an aptitude for overtaking highly exceptional. Memorable was the episode of his rebellion against Colin Chapman: when mechanics, during the qualifying heats at a Grand Prix, fitted him tires manifestly of lower quality than the ones of his team-mate, he angrily got the fastest time of the session and, got back to the pits, still in the cockpit, with no timidity gave his team boss the middle finger as he had tried to humiliate his talent. In 1978, at the start of the Monza Grand Prix, the one of his death, Ronnie was more and more alone; he confided to a friend he was going to divorce Barbro. When Colin Chapman just heard about the Swede’s death, he simply said: “it happens”.

Where he is now, probably Ronnie can quietly play with those colourful little fishies he loved to collect and observe as a kid.

It doesn't really matter who’s fault it was. He would have survived if it wasn't for the doctors. It was a great loss for the sport and for the Swedish people when he died at his best. He had a "kart driver" style like Ayrton Senna.

Ronnie Peterson, Peter Revson and Denny Hulme at Monza in 1972.

He was a speed and control king, the master of power sliding. He’s often forgotten amongst the Hunts, Sennas etc but he was really fast. His disadvantage sometimes was that the car often broke down for him since he pushed it a bit hard. Beside Stirling Moss the most talented driver never to become world champion. He definitely would have deserved the crown at least once. Ronnie Peterson appeared so calm and collected out of the car and a demon on track. Nobody ever has a bad word about Ronnie...

Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson talking with Brabham team owner Bernie Ecclestone during the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch in England on 16th July 1978. Photo by Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images.

No one, that tells you an awful lot about the man. One of the nicest and most skilled drivers ever. Many years have passed and the scars of his death is still present in the collective soul of the Swedish F1 fans.

Peterson and Lauda.

Niki Lauda explains in his book "My years with Ferrari" why Ronnie Peterson agreed to play second fiddle to Andretti: “Peterson didn't know how to set up a car well at all; he just drove it. His talent allowed him to overcome a car's handling faults for a fast lap in qualifying, but not on race day. Also, if you can't set up a car, you're no good as a development test driver. Peterson knew that Andretti knew how to set up a car and was a very good development driver. Andretti would set up his own car and Team Lotus then set up Peterson's car the same way. The truth is that Andretti absolutely deserved his World Championship and Peterson had no bad feelings about being the #2 driver. In fact, he and Andretti were very good friends throughout that year, right up to Ronnie's final race. I liked Ronnie Peterson and was saddened when we lost him”. Ronnie’s skill and natural talent far surpassed that of most drivers of the 70's, but skill alone does not win championships. It was said that Peterson would drive to suit the car, instead of creating a car to suit his driving. With his skill he would simply drive around a problem rather than fix it.

Wardrobe. This must be an optical illusion. Ronnie Peterson was nearly a foot taller than Mario Andretti, yet they appear to wear the same size overalls. Either that, or Mario wore his really baggy, predating Jacques Villeneuve by twenty years.

Ronnie Peterson at 1978 Dutch Grand Prix.

Bengt Ronnie Peterson, 14 February 1944 – 11 September 1978, was born in the south part of the center of Örebro, Sweden, in Kungsgatan 45. The family moved there in the late 50s.

Bengt Peterson, Ronnie’s father.

In the middle 60s Ronnie's father Bengt, a baker, bought and built a house in Almby, in the vicinity of Örebro.

Ronnie at home in the workshop with his father Bengt.

Known by the nickname 'SuperSwede', Ronnie was a two-time runner-up in the FIA Formula One World Drivers' Championship.

A 1 litre F3 car - almost certainly a Tecno - and probably after winning the F3 race at Monaco.

Ronnie Peterson, winner, in his Tecno-Novamotor Ford 69 Formula 3 Racing.

Ronnie Peterson in a F1 March in 1972.

After winning a number of karting titles, including two Swedish titles in 1963 and 1964, he moved on to Formula Three and, in 1969, to Formula One, racing for the March factory team.

Barbro Peterson, left, keeps times for husband Ronnie at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 04 July 1971. Photo by David Phipps.

Barbro Peterson, left, keeps times for husband Ronnie at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 04 July 1971.

The JPS-sponsored Lotus team in 1972. Drivers were Emerson Fittipaldi and Ronnie Peterson. Source: grandprixhistory.org.

Emerson Fittipaldi in 1972, sheltering from the rain with a rather dinky JPS-branded umbrella.

Emmo and Maria Helena again in 1972, at the British Grand Prix. Source Twitter.

Jochen Rindt Show, in either 1971 or 1972.

Emerson Fittipaldi and wife Theresa relax on the Gold Coast last week. Life in the slow lane will never be a consideration for Brazilian motoring ace Emerson Fittipaldi, even when he quits the world racing circuit. Fittipaldi will continue to have his foot flat to the floor as head of a business empire that he has developed during a celebrated racing career. Back in Australia to defend the Gold Coast IndyCar Grand Prix he won last year, Fittipaldi has welcomed the clash with old F1 rival Nigel Mansell. March 17, 1993. Photo by Murray/Fairfax Media via Getty Images.

Team Lotus.

Lotus grid girls.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson go for an uncharacteristically sombre look, to model the Lotus 72. Note the car park location. Classy. Source: georgejohansson.se.

Under the eyes of Lotus team boss Colin Chapman, Helena Fittipaldi and Barbro Peterson keep the times of their husbands at Zeltweg on 20 May 1973. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson at the 1973 Belgian GP.

Slightly awkward-looking podium, possibly Sweden, probably 1973. Ronnie Peterson is not amused. Francois Cevert is not impressed with Ronnie’s moods and sense of entitlement, although he is trying to be good-humoured. Niki Lauda is keeping out of it. Seriously, look at him guarding his prizes. And what has he done with Francois’s garland?

Ronnie Peterson at Monza in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72 E Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 NA, at the 1973 Italian Gran Prix. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72 E Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 NA, at the 1973 Italian Gran Prix.

Watkins Glen, New York, USA, 5-7 October 1973. Ronnie Peterson (Lotus 72D-Ford), 1st position, on the podium with his wife.

In the 1973 season Peterson joined Colin Chapman's Team Lotus, won his first Grand Prix in France at Paul Ricard and took three more wins in Austria, Italy and the United States. Poor reliability restricted him to only third place in the World Championship at season's end.

Jacky Ickx and Ronnie Peterson on the podium. Photo by GP Library / Universal Images Group via Getty Images.

Jacky Ickx and Ronnie Peterson show off their JPS Lotus motor in 1974. Colin Chapman looks on. Note Ronnie’s massive collar and even massiver tie.

Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx.

Ronnie Peterson and Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974.

Emerson Fittipaldi with Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson and Emerson Fittipaldi take the opportunity to strip down to their beachwear again, by taking the ladies out for a pedalo ride. Source: Facebook.com.

For 1974 Peterson claimed three more victories: the French, Italian and Monaco Grands Prix.

Ronnie Peterson wins at Monaco in 1974.

Monaco Grand Prix on 26 May 1974.

Ronnie Peterson wins at Monaco in 1974.

Monaco Grand Prix at Monaco on 26 May 1974.

Monaco Grand Prix at Monaco on 26 May 1974.

Ronnie Peterson and the JPS grid girls circa 1974.

Ronnie Peterson and the JPS grid girls circa 1974.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus-Ford 72E, Monaco GP, Monte Carlo, on 11 May 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Barbro Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix on 08 June 1975.

Tom Pryce, Ronnie Peterson and Patrick Depailler on their way to the 1976 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson are obviously far more warm-blooded than Tom and Nella Pryce. Source: pinterest.com.

Ronnie and Barbro.

Ronnie and Barbro.

After a poor 1975 season, in 1976 Peterson moved back to March and scored his final victory for the team at the Italian GP.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell, in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson in a Tyrrell.

Ronnie Peterson and Ken Tyrrell.

Ronnie Peterson and Ken Tyrrell model the latest shade of Tyrrell blue together. More modern times demand a bolder palette.

Barbro Peterson keeps a timing chart for her husband Ronnie, Tyrrell, in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson at the 1977 Long Beach GP.

After spending the 1977 season with Tyrrell, he moved back to Lotus in 1978 as number two driver to Mario Andretti and scored two wins, at the South African and Austrian GP, finishing second in the Drivers' Championship standings, despite his fatal accident at Monza.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, tries out a casual pose against a compressor. Note the mechanics, modelling the future black-and-gold livery which extended to the drivers’ uniforms.

Many times Peterson followed Andretti closely home, leading to speculation that 'Team Orders' were in place.

It’s the 1977 Swedish Grand Prix weekend. Mario Andretti is eschewing his usual look for a midriff-baring shirt, medallion and pinup girl pose combo. Source: spoca.se.

Back when GP drivers really were all mates: French GP 1978; (L-R) Peterson, Tambay, Villeneuve and Scheckter.

In the 1978 Italian GP at Monza Peterson in practice damaged his Lotus 79 race car beyond immediate repair and bruised his legs in the process. Team Lotus had a spare 79, but it had been built for Andretti, and the taller Peterson did not fit comfortably inside. The team's only other car was a type 78, the previous year's car, which had been dragged around the F1 circuit that season with minimal maintenance.

Peterson at Monza in 1978.

At the start of the race, the race starter threw the green light before the field was ready. The cars from fourth row rearwards (Peterson started from the third) were still rolling when the green light came on and got a jump on those ahead, resulting in an accordion effect as the cars approached the chicane, bunching them tightly together. The front four were far enough ahead to avoid any drama, but Peterson had made a poor start from fifth and was immediately passed by Alan Jones, Jacques Laffite and John Watson. Patrese moved back in just ahead of James Hunt, who feinted left and collided with Peterson and other drivers. Peterson's car went into the barriers hard and caught fire before bouncing back into the middle of the track. He was trapped in the burning wreck, and it was only though the bravery of Hunt, who made his way into the fire to drag Peterson out that a repeat of Niki Lauda’s accident in 1976 at the Nurburgring was avoided.

Ronnie Peterson with James Hunt at the 1970 US GP.

Hunt, Regazzoni and Depailler managed to free him before he received more than minor burns. He was dragged free and laid in the middle of the track fully conscious, but with severe leg injuries. Hunt later said he stopped Peterson looking at his badly broken legs to spare him further distress. At the time there was more concern for Brambilla, who had been hit on the head by a flying wheel and was slumped comatose in his car. Brambilla was seriously hurt and did not race again in F1 until a year later. Peterson's life was not seen to be in any danger but his treatment once he had been extracted from the wreck was embarrassingly botched. Spectators had made their way onto the track in order to get a better look at the scene, which led police to erect a human wall and stop anyone from getting close to Peterson, including F1’s surgical advisor, Professor Sid Watkins. Left unattended for an extremely costly “11 to 18” minutes, his accident spurred the introduction of the medical car following the pack on the first lap at future races. Finally treated, the injured drivers along with Peterson were taken to a hospital in Milan and the race was restarted when the track had been cleaned up. Word came back to Lotus that he was going to be OK, and the team mutedly celebrated Andretti becoming the first American world champion since Phil Hill in1961. At the hospital, Peterson's X-rays showed he had seven fractures in one leg and three in the other. After discussion with him, Peterson was sent to intensive care so that the surgeons could operate to stabilize the bones. There was some level of dispute between the physicians regarding whether all fractures should be immediately fixed or not. Suddenly, at four in the morning, his condition significantly worsened, and he was soon after pronounced brain-dead – fat deposits had formed in his blood vessels, cutting off circulation to the brain, and while a “fat embolism” is particularly hard to treat, it was made even more so by the time he was left unattended. By morning he was in full renal failure due to the embolism, and was declared dead at 9:55am on 11 September 1978. He was 34.

1978 JPS Team Lotus, Ronnie Peterson and Mario Andretti.

Peterson and Andretti were close friends. Andretti, driving along an autostrada unaware of his friend’s death – so unaware, in fact, that he was plotting ways to rib Peterson, who he was told would be confined to a wheelchair for a few months – took a turn off and arrived at a toll both. It was there that the man working inside informed him that they had just announced the death of Peterson on Italian radio. The shock led Andretti, in what should have been the happiest moment of his career, to utter a haunting phrase that summed up perfectly the poignancy of both the situation and the sport in general. “Unfortunately,” he said, “racing is also this.” Mario also added: "it was so unfair to have a tragedy connected with probably what should have been the happiest day of my career, I couldn't celebrate, but also, I knew that trophy would be with me forever. And I knew also that Ronnie would have been happy for me". Sid Watkins remembers Peterson’s accident this way: “Ronnie didn’t have deadly contusions, but there was a terrible mess, the Carabinieri prevented me and Rescue from taking action. It was James Hunt the first to reach him for help, the ambulance was 18 minutes late. He died of an embolism: as though we live in the stone age”. With the contribution of Watkins, safe Formula 1 has become a reality. In 1978, as Jackie Stewart said: “a driver per month died”, over the last few years no one died and not just for fortune.

Barbro Edwardsson Peterson.

Ronnie met the painter's daughter Barbro Edwardsson, three years younger, in the spring of '69 at the Prisma disco in Örebro. She then worked as a secretary but, later in the season, left for the USA to be an au-pair in New York for a year.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson glam up. Barbro’s usual understated style really suits her here and note the further outing for Ronnie’s big floppy bow tie

When she came back they became an inseparable couple. Ronnie initially lived with the March team secretary in Bicester but, when Barbro joined in 1971, they rented a typical English terraced house in Maidenhead on the River Thames in Berks, a few miles upriver west of London, not far from Heathrow Airport. Barbro was later employed as an official timekeeper at Lotus when Ronnie started working there in 1973.

Ronnie with his mum May-Britt, his father Bengt and his brother Tommy, outside their Maidenhead home in 1973.

Barbro Edwardsson, the girlfriend of Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson, UK, May 1973. Photo by McCarthy/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson with his girlfriend Barbro Edwardsson during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, UK, 14th July 1973. Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

Barbro Peterson at Anderstorp in 1974.

Barbro Peterson at Anderstorp in 1974.

Barbro Peterson at Anderstorp in 1974.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at the French Grand Prix.

In Christmas 1973 they were engaged, and when Barbro got pregnant they married in the end of April 1975.

Barbro and Ronnie had a daughter named Nina Louise (named after Jochen Rindt's widow – a good friend to the family) who was born in November 1975.

Ronnie in 1947.

Ronnie with Susy Raganelli in 1965.

Ronnie´s main interest was in motors and anything that had wheels but he was also weak for aquarium fishes.

In addition, gardening wasn´t without interest.

Ronnie and Barbro had a very close relationship. As in many other relations there was, of course some friction. After Nina was born, Barbro didn´t follow Ronnie to the races as often as before. 

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus 78 sponsored by John Player Cigarettes. September 1978.

Ronnie's frustration over his situation at Lotus in 1978 also didn’t help at home.

The Peterson family had a summerhouse close to Askersund where they often spent their holidays. Number 37 of Hemmets Veckotidning 1978 came out on the 11th of September – the same day Ronnie died! The article was a typical ”at-home-one” and it was just an unfortunate day to publish it. The story is about the happy family Petersons on vacation in their summerhouse near Vättern in Sweden – as it used to be a couple of weeks every year. In the interview with Ronnie it´s hard not to take notice of some things he said: ”I think the next thing that ordinary drivers get from the racing industry is the new type of fuel tank that we have. It is a rubber bag that doesn´t break or leak as easily as the metal tank. A good detail of security in crashes and fires”. Ronnie talks about Patrese and his zig-zag driving at Anderstorp and on the question if he´s going to be angry next time they meet. Ronnie answers: "no, it´s no idea to bring up the past. You can´t do anything about it afterwards. You can´t have enemies in this sport. We have to trust each other, if we can´t do that – well, then we have a factor of accident coming on."

After Ronnie´s decease Barbro withdrew with daughter Nina. She became very lonely and after a while she began a relationship with the former F1 racing driver John Watson, great friend of Ronnie.

John Watson and Barbro Peterson.

John Watson was very close to Barbro and little Nina in those moments of tragedy. Then he had practically adopted the little family of the missing champion and Barbro and Nina came to live with him in his beautiful neoclassical mansion in the middle of the English countryside. The relationship lasted for 4-5 years, but he couldn´t fill the empty space after Ronnie and Barbro withdrew even more into loneliness. The 19th of December 1987 she was found dead in her bathtub at John Watson's mansion in Cockham, Berkshire west of London. An unfortunate mix of alcohol and tranquilizers. She couldn´t over the grief after Ronnie's death and died only 40 years old. This was a time of heroes but not always happy endings.

Barbro was buried alongside Ronnie in the Peterson family grave in Örebro. After her mother's death, Nina travelled home to Sweden together with John Watson. 12 years old she was orphaned and she was left with her grandparents in Örebro. Later on she moved to Barbro´s mother and father.

What could be more romantic than not being able to survive the disappearance of a loved one, of her half? Barbro is a unique and dramatic case in motorsport ...

Nina Peterson gave a rare interview in a TV programme where she spoke about Ronnie: "when I moved back to Sweden I understood how famous my father was. Friends at my age knew who he was."

Nina Peterson.

There is a statue of Peterson in Örebro, by Richard Brixel. The Ronnie Peterson museum was officially opened by Ronnie's daughter in Örebro on 31 May 2008. It closed in October 2009 because it was unable to secure government funding.

Formula 1 and motorsport always tell some of the greatest stories of modern sports, impressive, sometimes tragic, most of the time they give you goose bumps; stories of courage and friendship, of acts, of life-changing seconds.

With Ronnie Peterson Niki drove for the March-Team: Peterson, a genius of driving without intellect, Lauda, the steering-wheel-professor who never made the same mistake twice.

Niki Lauda and Ronnie Peterson.

Stories like the one of Hunt versus Lauda in the 1976 world championship and of Ronnie Peterson and his friend Gunnar Nilsson.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson endure a rather camp round of golf, in matching blue outfits.

Both Swedish, with a few years of difference, missing just over a month apart. Ronnie is a very fast driver, among the quickest of the championship. It isn’t a matter of chances at all that in 1976, after Lauda’s accident, Enzo Ferrari wants him in a Red to try to subtract points from Hunt. The Drake gave up on Lauda and he was especially interested in one thing: to win. But, according to legend, it’s Lauda himself, from his hospital bed to contest the decision and to let Peterson stay at the airport like an idiot waiting for a Ferrari chauffeur that will never come. After the Monza GP, at the Niguarda hospital, the drama, the death of Ronnie. The whole F1 world is shocked.

At his funeral, the pallbearers included Ken Tyrrell, Colin Chapman, James Hunt, Jody Scheckter, John Watson, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda and a tall guy, bald, Gunnar Nilsson. Nilsson, great friend of Peterson, F1 driver as well, having terminal cancer. He suffers but he can’t not to be there that day, he owes it to Ronnie and his wife Barbro, who have done so much for him all those terrible months. He’ll die just over than a month after, at 30. Another indelible shadow for the soul of the beautiful Barbro.

Ronnie Peterson is often overlooked and underrated nowadays, but he will always be remembered by his fellow drivers as the one who was supposed to be not just a world champion, but also one of the greats. He popularized Formula 1 in his home country and brought the sport there. He loved every single moment in the car and never missed a chance to have a good laugh. One of the true gentlemen of the sport, who always honoured the team agreements. His natural talent, astonishing car control and easy-going personality ensured his status as a F1 Hero.

Ronnie Peterson with Graham Hill.

The “Superswede” competed in 123 GP, recording 10 wins and 14 pole positions in his nine years in the sport. Never one to spend much time on testing or setup, he was one of F1's greatest car controllers. Peterson’s preferred way of dealing with a corner was to point the nose of his car at the apex then nail the throttle to spin the rear wheels until they’d rotated the car to the desired angle for the exit. And it looked a little something like this… From the outside, the crowds saw a slide that was both wild and balletic in equal measure. It was, in fact, a strikingly similar method to the one his fellow native of Örebro, Stig Blomqvist, would use to control a rear-wheel-drive rally car. Jackie Stewart recalled: “I don’t think Ronnie ever had the mental application that a complete racing driver needs. But I admired his ability tremendously. Any number of times, particularly in 1973, I’d follow him into a corner and think, ‘ooo Ronnie, this time you’ve overdone it, you’re gone’. But he always seemed to get it back somehow. It never surprised me that the spectators loved him – he was exciting to watch from where I was too.” A contemporary report from the 1973 British Grand Prix summed up the reason many GP fans were buying tickets for the races at that time: “watching [Peterson] drift a Lotus 72 through Woodcote corner was worth the price of admission alone.”

Ronnie Peterson typified the glamour that surrounded F1 in his seat-of-the-pants driving style, coupled with speed and astonishing car control winning him. Softly-spoken and bashful, he eschewed the traditional Swedish motorsport of rallying to begin his racing career in karts. In 1979, George Harrison paid tribute to him with a song and music video called "Faster". During the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix fellow Swedish racing driver Marcus Ericsson wore a special helmet in tribute to Peterson which was modeled on Peterson's.

Vila i frid Ronnie.

Photo gallery

The short, intense and dramatic life of Ronnie Peterson has been described by different authors and in different ways. We are pleased to add the following photo gallery to what already exists.

The cars Ronnie Peterson raced.

The helmets Ronnie Peterson competed with.

A young Ronnie Peterson.

 Ronnie Peterson in 1962.

Ronnie Peterson, 1962 Swedish Championship.

Bengt Peterson, Ronnie’s father, in 1963.

Höörs 1963 D-Special winner.

Ronnie Peterson driving his kart in 1965.

In 1965 Ronnie Peterson chose to bet even harder in his fourth season as a Formula K driver. There were competitors in three different cars in classes C, D and A.

Ronnie Peterson in his kart on 11 April 1965 in Malmö, Sweden.

Ronnie Peterson in his kart number 41 on 25 April 1965 in Vevey, Switzerland.

Ronnie Peterson in the style which made him a famous crowd favourite ahead of a gaggle of other karts at Laxa, Sweden, on 25 April 1965. Photo by bilsportarvet.se.

Ronnie Peterson, Robardie Parilla, circa 1965. Photo by Federicascarscelli.com.

Ronnie Peterson driving his kart.

Ronnie Peterson with Susanna Raganelli.

Ronnie Peterson standing on the podium after winning the Formula 3 race in Karlskoga in 1965.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson in the back of Leif Engström on 08 August 1965 in Knutstorp, Sweden.

Ronnie Peterson driving his kart.

Ronnie Peterson in his kart.

Ronnie Peterson driving his kart in the rain.

Ronnie Peterson in his kart at Bagni di Tivoli, Italy.

Ronnie Peterson with Jochen Rindt circa 1965.

Ronnie at mum and dad's place in Almby, Orebro.

Ronnie Peterson and some women.

Ronnie's parents Bengt and Maj-Britt were keen to follow their son at the races. Here they are with Barbro. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Barbro, Ronnie and his mother Maj-Britt.

The Svebe-Ford Formula 3 built for Ronnie Peterson by his father in 1966.

Ronnie Peterson and the Svebe.

Ronnie’s car behind his father’s bakery in 1967.

Ronnie Peterson in his racing car.

Ronnie and Ikuzawa at the Kanonloppet in 1968.

Ronnie Peterson in his racing car.

Ronnie Peterson riding his bike.

Ronnie Peterson with his red Ford Escort.

Ronnie Peterson driving his Mercedes.

Ronnie Peterson with a horse.

Ronnie Peterson practicing cross-country skiing.

Ronnie Peterson with two girls.

Ronnie Peterson on the podium with a girl.

Ronnie Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson and Ake Strandberg.

Ronnie Peterson with Reine Wisell.

Reine and Ronnie in Stockholm.

Ronnie, Jo and Reine.

Reine Wisell, Sweden. Photo by Anders Albinsson.

Ronnie Peterson in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson in action in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson and Vittorio Brambilla maybe at Monza in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wisell on Bilsport magazine in 1969. Photo by Torsten Widholm.

Ronnie Peterson, Tecno-Novamotor Ford 69 Formula 3, at Skarpnäck, Stockholm, in 1969.

Circa 1969, Kanonloppet. Kanonloppet (the cannon race) is an annual motor race run at the Karlskoga Motorstadion in Gelleråsen in the outskirts of Karlskoga, Sweden.

Ronnie Peterson at Dalsland Ring on 07 September 1969.

Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wisell at Dalsland Ring on 07 September 1969.

Ronnie Peterson, Tecno, in 1969.

Tecno, in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson outside the main entrance to the March factory in 1969. He signs contracts in F1 and F2 with March. It turned out to be an equally exciting and dramatic racing saga for the talented Örebroer. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Models of March 693 Ford.

Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wisell at Motorbanan Ring Knutstorp, Sweden, in 1969.

Ronnie Peterson and Jo Bonnier in Monaco in 1969.

Reine Wisell, Ronnie Peterson and Jo Bonnier at Silverstone in 1969. 2 of Sweden's GP winners.

Ronnie’s friend and mechanic Åke Strandberg.

Team March: Ronnie Peterson, Niki Lauda and Mike Beutler.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie on March 701, his first car in F1, in 1970.

Ronnie on March 701 in 1970.

Ronnie Peterson, March, at the start near John Miles, Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson and Jackie Ickx, this time driving for Ferrari.

Good luck! Ronnie is congratulated by an admirer before his first start in the F1 World Championship in Monaco on 10 May 1970. The debut takes place in a March 701. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Ronnie Peterson in his first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix at Monaco in 1970. He would finish seventh.

Ronnie Peterson in his March 701 at Spa in Belgium on 07 June 1970. Photo by Kenneth Olausson.

Ronnie Peterson at the Belgian Grand Prix, beginning of the straight after the Masta Kink, on 07 June 1970.

Holland on 21 June 1970, Ronnie Peterson in a March 701. Photo by Lat Images.

Barbro Peterson keeps her husband Ronnie's times (you can see Ronnie's helmet in the foreground) together with Siffert's wife Simone in the March pits during the German GP weekend in Hockenheim in August 1970. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Barbro Peterson, with Siffert's wife Simone, performing a soft drink can opening during timekeeping at Hockenheim in 1970. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Barbro Peterson keeps the times of her husband at Hockenheim in 1970. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Barbro Peterson keeps the times of her husband at Hockenheim in 1970. Photo by Kenneth Olausson.

Ronnie Peterson, Porsche 908-02, at the Kanonloppet in Karlskoga, Sweden, on 09 August 1970. Ronnie came to his "home track" at Gelleråsen in Karlskoga to compete in the Kanonloppet with a borrowed sports car. In Richard Broström's wrong-geared Porsche 908, Ronnie greatly impressed those around him. He was already on site on Tuesday, but had to wait until Friday before the mechanic and car arrived for initial practice. The car turns out to be geared for 270 km/h and such speeds are not reached on Gelleråsen.

Ronnie Peterson, March 701 Ford, at the US Grand Prix in Watkins Glen on 04 October 1970.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Barbro Peterson accompanied her husband to competitions around the world.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Suzy Fittipaldi, Wilson Fittipaldi Jr, Carlos Reutemann, Mimicha Reutemann, Ronnie Peterson and Barbro Peterson at Kartum club Carlos Paz in Argentina.

Ronnie with his parents in 1971.

Ronnie with his motorcycle Puch Dakota VZ 50 V3 in 1971.

Ronnie’s car in Sweden in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, Derek Bell and Francois Cevert.

Ronnie Peterson and Francois Cevert.

Ronnie Peterson with Graham Hill.

Ronnie Peterson with Niki Lauda.

Ronnie Peterson in his car.

Ronnie Peterson in his car with some girls.

Ronnie Peterson sleeping in his car in 1971.

Francois Cevert, Ronnie Peterson and Niki Lauda on the podium.

Ronnie Peterson in his car.

Ronnie Peterson in his car. Photo by Kalle Riggare / Teambild.

Ronnie Peterson in his car.

Ronnie Peterson, March 712M Formula 2, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson in his car.

Ronnie Peterson in his car.

Ronnie Peterson, March 711 Ford, in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March, in action in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March 711 Ford, in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March 711 Ford.

Reine Wisell at the Questor Grand Prix at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, USA, on 28 March 1971.

Graham Hill, Jo Siffert, Ronnie Peterson, Henri Pescarolo, Jacky Ickx and a girl at the Questor Grand Prix at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, USA, on 28 March 1971. Photo by GPL - John Dunbar.

Graham Hill, Tim Schenken (with sunglasses), Ronnie Peterson (between Tim and unknown woman), Henri Pescarolo (with sunglasses, in gray jumpsuit) and Howden Ganley (standing) at the Questor Grand Prix at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, USA, on 28 March 1971.

Ronnie Peterson of March racing stands with a grid girl at the Questor Grand Prix at the Ontario Motor Speedway in California, USA, on 30 March 1971. Photo by Terry Bratcher / The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson drives the n.18 STP March 711 Ford Cosworth V8 in the Spanish Grand Prix at the Montjuïc Park circuit in Barcelona, Spain, on 18th April 1971. Photo by Rolls Press / Popperfoto.

Ronnie Peterson, March, in Spain on 18 April 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March 711, in Monaco in 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March 711, in Monaco in 1971.

Andrea de Adamich and Ronnie Peterson at the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen on 24 July 1971. Photo by Bob Hines.

European F2, Ronnie Peterson and Niki Lauda, March 712M Cosworth BDA, at Mantorp Park in Sweden, on 08 August 1971.

European F2, Ronnie Peterson at Mantorp Park in Sweden on 08 August 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, March 712M, 1st position, sits with Graham Hill and Emerson Fittipaldi at Brands Hatch, England, on 30 August 1971. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie Peterson holds up his trophy as he stands with Britain's Graham Hill after winning the 40 laps Rothmans International race at Brands Hatch, England, on 30 August 1971. Photo by Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson, François Cevert, Mike Hailwood, Jo Siffert, March-Ford 711, Tyrrell-Ford 002, Surtees-Ford TS9, BRM P160, Grand Prix of Italy, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, 05 September 1971. Photo by Bernard Cahier / Getty Images.

Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1971.

Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1971.

Ronnie and Reine at Mosport Park, Canada, circa on 19 September 1971.

Ronnie Peterson at Mosport Park, Canada, on 19 September 1971.

Ronnie Peterson and Mark Donohue at Mosport Park, Canada, on 19 September 1971.

Ronnie Peterson, Smog March Engineering 712M F2 Consworth FVA, on 19 September 1971.

Jackie Stewart, Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wissel at a party in the home of fellow driver Jo Bonnier at Le Muids, Switzerland, on 31 December 1971.

Barbro and Ronnie in 1972.

Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie with Barbro Peterson and a Ford Escort.

Jacky and Ronnie in 1972, Ferrari time.

Ronnie Peterson with Max Mosley, Helmut Marko, Rolf Stommellen, Reine Wisell and Robin Herd in 1972.

The presentation of March 721 for 1972 season.

Niki and Ronnie together at March in 1972. Niki stayed at Ronnie’s place when he moved to England in 1972.

Ronnie Peterson, March.

Ronnie Peterson, March.

Ronnie Peterson, March.

Ronnie Peterson, March 721G.

Ronnie, March STP, in 1972.

Ferrari time, Ronnie Peterson and Mario Andretti on Ferrari 312PB in 1972.

Ronnie and Tim Schenken, Ferrari 312 PB with number 10, in 1972.

Ronnie Peterson, Ferrari 312PB, in 1972.

Ronnie Peterson in a Ford Capri in 1972.

1972s John Player Special Team Lotus motorhome.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at Kyalami, South Africa, on 04 March 1972.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson in the pits at Jarama on 01 May 1972. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson and Reine Wisell in Spain in 1972.

Ronnie Peterson and Crown Prince Carl Gustaf at the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Left to right: Max Mosley, Helmut Marko, Rolf Stommelen, Ronnie Peterson, Reine Wisell and Robin Herd at Monaco Grand Prix on 14 May 1972. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson, March 721X, at the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix.

Clay Regazzoni next to his team-mate's wife Barbro Peterson at Nivelles, Belgium, on 04 June 1972. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson at Nivelles, Belgium, on 04 June 1972.

Ronnie Peterson, March, gets a lift back to the pits with Carlos Pace, Frank Williams Racing Cars, during practice for the 1972 French Grand Prix in Clermont Ferrand.

Francois Cevert and Ronnie Peterson at the Can-Am challenge cup in Watkins Glen on 27 July 1972.

Ronnie Peterson, March Ford, at the Austrian GP at Osterreichring on 13 August 1972.

European F2 on 16 September 1972 at Oulton Park. James Hunt third, Ronnie Peterson first and Niki Lauda second ...

Oulton Park, England, 16th September 1972. Ronnie Peterson (March 722 - Ford BDA), 1st position, with Niki Lauda (March 722 - Ford BDF), 2nd position, on the podium with the sponsor girls. Photo by LAT Images.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at Berlin on 15 December 1972. Photo by Stock Photo / Keystone Pictures USA / Zumapress.com.

Ronnie Peterson at home with his cars in 1973.

In 1973 the couple bought a slightly nicer house in an exclusive residential area in Cookham Dean in Berkshire, (n. 5, The Farthingales), England, not far from where they lived before. The house is called Gray Thatch. Photo by Scanpix.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, with Barbro in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, on the cover of a magazine.

Ronnie Peterson and Colin Chapman in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson and Prince Bertil of Sweden.

Peter Revson, McLaren, with Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson checks his times with wife Barbro at the Argentinean Grand Prix in Buenos Aires on 28 January 1973. Photo by David Phipps.

The Argentinean Grand Prix at the Buenos Aires circuit on 28 January 1973.

Barbro Peterson, here at the 1973 Brazilian Grand Prix, usually accompanied her husband to the races but at the 1978 Italian Grand Prix she stayed at home in Monaco to look after the couple's two-year-old daughter Nina.

Ronnie Peterson at the Brazilian Grand Prix on 11 February 1973.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson on 14 February 1973. Photo by Aftonbladet TT.

Wives of drivers, left to right: Catherine Ickx, Helen Stewart, Maria Helena Fittipaldi and Jacqueline Beltoise at the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo on 03 June 1973.

Monaco 1973, the best of drivers, the best looking cars, possibly the best time of motor racing.

Francois Cevert, Ronnie Peterson, Barbro Peterson and Helen Stewart.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson, Jackie Stewart and Emerson Fittipaldi at Monaco in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson at Monaco in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Barbro and Sven 'Smokey' Asberg.

Ronnie Peterson and Sven 'Smokey' Asberg at the 1973 Swedish Grand Prix.

Barbro Peterson at Anderstorp.

First line for Ronnie Peterson, Lotus and Francois Cevert, Tyrrell, at the 1973 Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus and Francois Cevert, Tyrrell, at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp on 17 June 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus Ford 72, Karusell corner, at the Swedish Grand Prix in Anderstorp on 17 June 1973.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at Paul Ricard on 01 July 1973.

Barbro Peterson at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 01 July 1973. Photo by Motorsport Images.

Lotus timekeepers Helena Fittipaldi and Barbro Peterson keep the times of their husbands at Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, in 1973. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at the 1973 French Grand Prix.

Barbro Peterson at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England, on 14 July 1973. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, drives a road car around the Silverstone circuit at the British Grand Prix on 14 July 1973.

Ronnie Peterson leads Niki Lauda after the second start of the 1973 British Grand Prix. Photo by Motorsport Images.

Ronnie Peterson and the snow …. at Silverstone in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72 Ford, at Zandvoort on 29 July 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72 Ford, possibly at Zandvoort on 29 July 1973.

Helen Stewart and Graham Hill, Hill Shadow-Ford, in the pits before the 1973 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring. Photo Grand Prix Photo.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at the German Grand Prix in Nurburgring on 5 August 1973.

Barbro Peterson and Maria Helena Fittipaldi at the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg on 19 August 1973. Photo by Eric della Faille.

The start of the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg on 19 August 1973.

Ronnie Peterson at the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg on 19 August 1973.

Ronnie Peterson on the podium at the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg on 19 August 1973.

Ronnie Peterson on the podium at the Austrian Grand Prix in Zeltweg on 19 August 1973.

Barbro and Ronnie Peterson with Emerson Fittipaldi at the Canadian Grand Prix on 23 September 1973. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in Canada in 1973.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72 Ford, at Watkins Glen in 1973.

A big win for Ronnie Peterson at Watkins Glen in 1973 and then an interview with Chris Economaki.

Watkins Glen 1973, Ronnie Peterson winner.

Watkins Glen 1973, Ronnie Peterson winner. Photo by Racefans.net.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson on the cover of a magazine.

Colin Chapman hands over the keys to Ronnie Peterson for his new company car, a Lotus Elite, in 1974.

Ronnie Peterson and Emerson Fittipaldi.

Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx in 1974.

Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx, Colin Chapman of shoulders.

Graham Hill, Ronnie Peterson and Jackie Stewart.

Ronnie Peterson with Jody Scheckter.

Mechanics working on a Lotus 72.

Mechanics working on a Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson in the Lotus pits. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Ronnie Peterson and his Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus.

A pit stop for Ronnie Peterson’s Lotus. Photo by Rune Manzon.

A Lotus Ford.

A Lotus in action.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson in the Lotus pits.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson in the Lotus pits.

Barbro Peterson keeps a timing chart for her husband Ronnie, Lotus, in 1974.

Barbro Peterson keeps a timing chart for her husband Ronnie, Lotus, in 1974.

Barbro in full action with his timings while Lotus boss Colin Chapman scouts out over the track. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Barbro's board, her desk at the F1 races. She didn't just record Ronnie's lap times. It was equally important to have super control over the competitors. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Barbro's Board. Barbro Edvardsson managed the timing for the Lotus stable in 1974. She got engaged to Ronnie in 1973 and they married in 1975. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Carlos Reutemann with Barbro Peterson at Brands Hatch in 1974. Photo by Pete Austin.

Barbro kissing Ronnie Peterson.

Sixth placed Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, sits on a tyre stack in the pits with his wife Barbro in the background at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, Sao Paulo, on 27 January 1974. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, Sao Paulo, on 27 January 1974.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at the 1974 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami.

Ronnie Peterson at the 1974 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami.

Ronnie Peterson looks for a place to sit on 30 March 1974 at Kyalami, South Africa. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie Peterson who crashed out of the race on lap 3 in a troubled race meeting for the new Lotus 76, keeps himself well covered during a rain storm at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami, South Africa, on 30 March 1974.

Barbro Peterson at the Belgian Grand Prix in Nivelles-Baulers on 10-12th May 1974. Photo by Lat Images.

Colin Chapman and Ronnie Peterson at Monte Carlo in 1974.

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus at Monte Carlo.

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus 72 Ford at Monte Carlo in 1974.

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus 72 Ford at Monte Carlo in 1974.

Ronnie Peterson in a Lotus 72E Ford at Monte Carlo on 26 May 1974. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie's spin off in Monaco 1974. In this moment he is 11th, at the end of the race he will be the winner.

Ronnie Peterson, winner of the 1974 Monaco Grand Prix.

A poster of the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72E, with Colin Chapman on 09 June 1974 at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp.

Ronnie Peterson, JPS Lotus F1, with Barbro at the Dutch Grand Prix on 23 June 1974.

Barbro Peterson at the French GP in Dijon-Prenois on 07 July 1974.

Barbro Peterson at the French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois on 07 July 1974. Photo by Eric della Faille.

Barbro Peterson at the French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois on 07 July 1974.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 72E, at the French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois on 07 July 1974. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie Peterson on the podium with Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni at the French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois on 07 July 1974. Photo by Getty Images.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson on the cover of a magazine on 10 July 1974.

Barbro Peterson works on the lap chart for her husband Ronnie, Lotus, at the German Grand Prix in Nurburgring on 04 August 1974.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus Ford, at the German Grand Prix in Nurburgring on 04 August 1974.

Ronnie Peterson wins the F2 race in Karlskoga, Sweden, on 11 August 1974.

Ronnie Peterson wins the F2 race in Karlskoga, Sweden, on 11 August 1974.

Emerson Fittipaldi wins at Mosport, Canada, on 22 September 1974 and is Champion of the world. Clay Regazzoni is second and Ronnie Peterson third. Photo by Bob Harmeyer.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Barbro Peterson.

A Lotus 72E and girls.

Ronnie Peterson with Graham Hill.

Ronnie Peterson with John Watson.

Ronnie Peterson with Gilles Villeneuve.

Ronnie Peterson.

Niki Lauda, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx.

Ronnie Peterson in his Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, in 1975. Photo by Phil Volkaerts.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson in his Lotus.

Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at the Argentinean Grand Prix in Buenos Aires on 12 January 1975.

Barbro Peterson, Sweden, enjoys a game of table tennis at the Kyalami Ranch Hotel on 01 March 1975.

1975 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch on 16 March 1975. Third place for Ronnie Peterson, Lotus.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson on their wedding day on 20 April 1975.

Barbro and Ronnie Peterson on their wedding day on 20 April 1975. With them Tim Schenken and his wife.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson in the pits at team Lotus in May 1975. They lived a tight life together, both on and off the racing tracks. Photo by Rune Manzon.

Barbro Peterson at Zolder, Belgium, on 25 May 1975. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at Anderstorp, Sweden, on 08 June 1975.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at Anderstorp, Sweden, on 08 June 1975.

Ronnie Peterson maybe at Zandvoort on 22 June 1975.

Ronnie Peterson flying at Nurburgring, Germany, on 03 August 1975.

Ronnie Peterson playing backgammon on his flight to United States for the Grand Prix in Watkins Glen on 05 October 1975.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson.

Barbro Peterson.

Barbro Peterson in the pits in 1976. Photo by GPL - Geoff Goddart.

Gunnar Nilsson, Juan Manuel Fangio and Ronnie Peterson in 1976.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson in 1976.

Max Mosley and Ronnie Peterson in the pits.

Ronnie Peterson in 1976.

Ronnie Peterson with his friend and mechanic Åke Strandberg in 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, in 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, in 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, in 1976.

Brazilian GP at Interlagos on 25 January 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761 with a Swedish flag, at Kyalami on 06 March 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761 Ford, with Barbro at the US West Grand Prix in Long Beach on 26-28 March 1976. Photo by Lat Images.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761 Ford, at the US West Grand Prix in Long Beach on 28 March 1976.

Barbro Peterson at Monaco. Photo by Nonstop Entertainment.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, at the Monaco Grand Prix on 30 May 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, at the Monaco Grand Prix on 30 May 1976.

Ronnie Peterson’s crash at the Monaco Grand Prix on 30 May 1976.

Gunnar Nilsson, Colin Chapman, Ronnie Peterson and Mario Andretti at the Swedish Grand Prix in Anderstorp on 13 June 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, at the Swedish Grand Prix in Anderstorp on 13 June 1976. Photo by Wretling, Lars Goran.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, at the Swedish Grand Prix in Anderstorp on 13 June 1976.

John Surtees, Ronnie Peterson, Margareth Thatcher and Divina Galica on the House of Commons Terrace, London, in July 1976. Photo by Mittopix.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761, with James Hunt, McLaren, at Nurburgring on 01 August 1976.

Ronnie Peterson, March 761-Ford, at the Dutch Grand Prix on 29 August 1976.

Tyrrell Team owner with Ronnie Peterson, who signed to drive with the team in 1977, circa September 1976. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson with the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34 on 01 November 1976. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson.

Ronnie Peterson and Patrick Depailler in 1977.

Patrick Depailler and Ronnie Peterson in 1977, Tyrrell time.

Ronnie Peterson in 1977 at Brands Hatch, BMW time.

Tyrrell P34, first test.

1977, Tyrrell time for Ronnie Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34, in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34.

Ronnie Peterson sliding the six-wheeled Tyrrell P34.

Tyrrell in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34B, in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson, Ken Tyrrell and Patrick Depailler with a manager of FNC in Argentina in 1977.

Ronnie Peterson and his wife Barbro Edwardsson at the Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires on 09 January 1977. Photo by Blick / RD / Bullstein Bild via Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson, retired, hangs up his overalls at the Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires on 09 January 1977.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson with Simon Stiel before the Brazilian Grand Prix in January 1977. By October 1978 both were gone.

Ronnie Peterson and his wife Barbro relax at the hotel prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Sao Paulo, on 21 - 23 January 1977. Photo by Lat Images.

Barbro Peterson keeps times in the garage at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, Sao Paulo, on 21 - 23 January 1977.

Barbro Peterson and Ken Tyrrell at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami on 05 March 1977.

Barbro Peterson at the Race of Champions in Brands Hatch, England, on 20 March 1977. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell, with Vittorio Brambilla, Surtees, at the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach on 03 April 1977. Photo via @monzasgorilla.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34B, at the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach on 03 April 1977.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34B, at the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach on 03 April 1977. Photo by Lat Images.

Girls at the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach on 03 April 1977. Photo by Ercole Colombo.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrel, with Niki Lauda, Ferrari, at the Monaco Grand Prix on 22 May 1977. Photo by Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell P34, with Ken Tyrrell at Zolder in 1977.

The podium at Zolder on 05 June 1977. Photo by Joe Honda.

Ronnie Peterson, Derek Gardiner, Åke Strandberg and Patrick Depailler at Anderstorp on 19 June 1977.

Ronnie Peterson at Anderstorp in 1977 gets a prize from all Swedish F3 drivers for all he has done for Swedish racing community.

Ronnie Peterson, Tyrrell, at the Monza Grand Prix on 11 September 1977.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson at the US Grand Prix in Watkins Glen on 02 October 1977, a Swedish duel.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji on 23 October 1977.

The accident between Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji on 23 October 1977.

The accident between Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji on 23 October 1977.

The accident between Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve at the Japanese Grand Prix in Fuji on 23 October 1977.

Mario Andretti, Colin Chapman, Ronnie Peterson and the black beauty in 1978. Presentation of the new Lotus 79 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8.

Ronnie Peterson and … some bottles.

In the first months of 1978 Ronnie Peterson wore a white suit.

James Hunt, Teddy Mayer and Ronnie Peterson in 1978.

James Hunt, Ronnie Peterson and Niki Lauda.

Ronnie Peterson and Mario Andretti in 1978.

Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson in 1978.

Ronnie Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson.

Ronnie Peterson in his Lotus in 1978.

Ronnie Peterson in his Lotus.

Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson in action in 1978.

Ronnie Peterson, Mario Andretti, Patrick Depailler and James Hunt at the Argentinean Grand Prix on 15 January 1978.

Barbro Peterson at her hotel pool at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, on 29 January 1978.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, on 29 January 1978.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, wants to speak with Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari. They were hitting each other wheel to wheel at the end of the long straight at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro, on 29 January 1978.

Kyalami on 04 March 1978, Ronnie Peterson first and Patrick Depailler second.

King Carl Gustaf and Ronnie Peterson fish together in Morrumsan, Sweden, on 30 March 1978.

Ronnie Peterson at US Grand Prix West in Long Beach on April 02 1978.

James Hunt and Ronnie Peterson at the Monaco Grand Prix on 07 May 1978.

Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve at the Monaco Grand Prix on 07 May 1978.

Ronnie Peterson and Gilles Villeneuve at the Monaco Grand Prix on 07 May 1978.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus, at the 1978 Monaco Grand Prix.

Barbro Peterson with Colin Chapman at Zolder on 21 May 1978.

Barbro Peterson with Colin Chapman at Zolder on 21 May 1978.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jarama, Spain, on 04 June 1978. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jarama, Spain, on 04 June 1978.

Mario Andretti and his Lotus team mate Ronnie Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp on 17 June 1978. Photo by David Phipps.

Ronnie Peterson and Niki Lauda at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp on 17 June 1978.

Riccardo Patrese leads Ronnie Peterson at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp on 17 June 1978.

Niki Lauda celebrates his win by spraying the press watched by Ronnie Peterson, who was third and Ricardo Patrese who finished second at the Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp on 17 June 1978.

Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson, Lotus teammates, celebrate a 1-2 success at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 02 July 1978. Photo by Bernard Cahier / Getty Images.

Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson, Lotus teammates, celebrate a 1-2 success at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 02 July 1978.

Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson, Lotus teammates, celebrate a 1-2 success at the French Grand Prix in Paul Ricard on 02 July 1978.

Ronnie Peterson in the Lotus garage at Brands Hatch on 16 July 1978.

Mario Andretti, Ronnie Peterson and Gunnar Nilsson at the English Grand Prix in Brands Hatch on 16 July 1978. Photo by Motorsport Images.

Barbro Peterson at Hockenheim on 30 July 1978. Photo by Rainer Schlegelmilch.

Ronnie Peterson at Hockenheim on 30 July 1978.

Ronnie Peterson at Hockenheim on 30 July 1978.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus-Ford 79, at the Grand Prix of Austria at Osterreichring on 13 August 1978. Photo by Bernard Cahier / Getty Images.

Ronnie Peterson, Lotus 79, behind Patrick Depailler, Tyrrell, in Austria on 13 August 1978.

Interview for Ronnie Peterson, with Mario Andretti and Colin Chapman, after the victory in Austria in 1978.

Lotus team photo with Mario Andretti and Ronnie Peterson sitting on a Lotus 79 Ford at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on 10 September 1978. Colin Chapman and Nigel Bennett are also visible. Photo by David Phipps.

Harald Ertl and Ronnie Peterson at Monza in 1978.

The start of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on 10 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s fatal accident at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza on 10 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978. Photo by Orebro Kuriren – Orebro lans museum.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978. Photo by Orebro Kuriren – Orebro lans museum.

Barbro Peterson at Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ken Tyrrell at Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978. Photo by Orebro Kuriren – Orebro lans museum.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson’s funeral on 15 September 1978.

Ronnie Peterson's grave.

Ronnie and Barbro Peterson's grave.

Mario Andretti, Lotus 79 Ford, drives past a banner from a fan at the US GP in Watkins Glen on 01 October 1978. Ronnie Peterson had died at the recent Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Photo by David Phipps.

Barbro Peterson, with Ronnie’s parents, to receive a prize for Ronnie from Prince Bertil of Sweden.

Keke Rosberg, Niki Lauda and John Watson with two Marlboro girls in 1982.

Statue, unveiled in August 2003, by artist Richard Brixel of the Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson in Almby, Örebro, Sweden.

Statue, unveiled in August 2003, by artist Richard Brixel of the Swedish racing driver Ronnie Peterson in Almby, Örebro, Sweden.

Opening in May 2008 of the Örebro Museum dedicated to Ronnie Peterson. Photo by Fredrik Hofgaard.

Ronnie Peterson Museum at Orebro.

 

Videos