Framed Canvas Print "Ne Plus Ultra" by Richard Kelley

Ne Plus Ultra

This is the look of success, 46-years ago. In 1972, Team Lotus sat in the Watkins Glen pitlane holding both F1 Championships - the latest of their five World Drivers’ Champions and five Constructor’s Championships collected since 1963. Sponsored by John Player Special and fielding a young Emerson Fittipaldi (and soon, Ronnie Peterson), Team Lotus represented the absolute gold standard of glamour technology and competitiveness in Formula One. But, things were about to quickly change. Jackie Stewart found the secret for tuning the new Tyrrell 005 for 1973. McLaren would surprise the entire paddock with a forgiving, nimble and fast M23, and would steal away Fittipaldi and the Driver's Championship in 1974. The hot mess that was Ferrari would solidify around Niki Lauda that same year, and Brabham, Shadow and little squads called Hesketh and Williams would start to claim their points. While Team Lotus would again win the Constructor's Championship in 1973, they would experience a championship drought until Mario Andretti and the incredible Lotus 79 won in 1978. And then, it was over.