Wilson Fittipaldi, a former Formula 1 racer, passed away over the holidays following a heart arrest.
On Christmas Day, Fittipaldi, who is also his birthday, choked on a piece of food and suffered a heart attack when his airway could not be cleared.
Fittipaldi, who had been hospitalized following the event, passed unexpectedly at the age of 80.
The Brazilian belongs to the larger Fittipaldi family, which has a significant influence in the motor racing sector.
Between 1972 and 1975, Wilson participated in 35 Formula One races personally before he and his brother, the former Formula One World Champion Emerson, founded their own team.
The racer, who was born in Sao Paulo, had fallen at home four years prior, and his health had declined since then.
He was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage after being brought to the hospital, and he underwent a successful surgical procedure.
Fittipaldi remained active with his motorsport interests and was present in the F1 paddock last year at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
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