The 1972 Formula One season was the 26th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. It featured the 1972 World Championship of Drivers and the 1972 International Cup for F1 Manufacturers, contested over twelve races. Emerson Fittipaldi, driving for Lotus-Ford, won his first World Championship at the age of 25, becoming the youngest champion at the time. Lotus also won the International Cup for F1 Manufacturers.
The 1972 season began with the Argentine Grand Prix at the Buenos Aires circuit. Jackie Stewart, driving for Tyrrell-Ford, took victory ahead of Denis Hulme and Emerson Fittipaldi. Stewart's win set the tone for what would be a competitive season between him and Fittipaldi.
The South African Grand Prix at Kyalami was won by Denis Hulme in a McLaren-Ford, with Emerson Fittipaldi finishing second and Mike Hailwood third. This was Hulme's final Formula 1 victory.
Emerson Fittipaldi took his first win of the 1972 season at the Spanish Grand Prix held at the Jarama circuit, finishing ahead of Jackie Stewart and Clay Regazzoni. This victory marked the beginning of Fittipaldi's championship charge.
Jean-Pierre Beltoise driving a BRM achieved his only Formula 1 victory in a wet Monaco Grand Prix. He led from pole position and dominated the race, finishing ahead of Emerson Fittipaldi and Jackie Stewart. The race was run in heavy rain, making Beltoise's performance all the more remarkable.
Emerson Fittipaldi won the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, finishing ahead of Jackie Stewart and Peter Gethin. This victory strengthened Fittipaldi's lead in the championship and demonstrated the superiority of the Lotus 72D.
Emerson Fittipaldi won the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, one of the most demanding circuits in Formula 1. Jackie Stewart finished second and Jacky Ickx third. Fittipaldi's victory at this legendary circuit further extended his championship lead.
Emerson Fittipaldi secured the 1972 World Championship by winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. At 25 years old, he became the youngest Formula 1 World Champion, a record that stood until Fernando Alonso broke it in 2005. Jackie Stewart finished second and Denny Hulme third.
The 1972 season concluded with the United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. Emerson Fittipaldi capped off his championship-winning season with his fifth victory of the year. Jackie Stewart finished second and Carlos Reutemann third. Lotus-Ford secured the International Cup for F1 Manufacturers.
