Ronnie Peterson in the John Player Special Lotus 72 during the 1973 British Grand Prix Formula One Art Print by Stuart Booth

The 1973 British Grand Prix, Silverstone, and Ronnie Peterson sliding the black and gold Lotus 72 John Player Special through Woodcote, right on the limit.  This was the infamous race at which Jody Scheckter in a McLaren M23 slid wide and spun, coming out of Woodcote at the end of the first lap, triggering a multi-car pile-up resulting in the elimination of nine cars.  The race was red-flagged and it was 90 minutes before the re-start.

The painting shows Peterson closely pursued by Jackie Stewart in the Tyrell 006 after the re-start; Stewart spun off trying to pass Peterson who went on to finish 2nd to Peter Revson’s McLaren M23.

Colin Chapman’s Lotus 72 was an innovative and iconic design, racing for six seasons from 1970, with 20 race wins and three Constructors Championships to its credit and powered Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi to Drivers Championships.  However to many Peterson will always be the driver most associated with the 72; the sight of Ronnie screaming up from Abbey and throwing the Lotus through Woodcote, became one of the great motor racing memories.  Chapman had introduced advertising sponsorship to F1 and in 1970 and ‘71 the car ran in John Player Gold Leaf red white and gold livery but in 1972 the classic black and gold John Player Special colours were applied and this is how most will remember it.