The 1971 season was dominated by Jackie Stewart and the Tyrell team. It was a poor year for the Lotus with no wins and only a handful of podium places for Fittipaldi.

But Team Lotus returned in 1972 as 'John Player Team Lotus' with the cars now resplendent in the famous black and gold livery and re-designated as "John Player Specials". Fittipaldi won five grands prix at Jarama, Nivelles in Belguim, Brands Hatch, Osterreichring and Monza clinching the world title for himself and a fifth constructor's championship for Lotus

For 1973 the talented swede Ronnie Peterson (shown ABOVE and LEFT) joined Fittipaldi at Lotus, giving the team two drivers of equal ability, but designer Maurice Phillips left and was replaced by Martin Ogilvie and Ralph Bellamy.

The 72 won the opening South American rounds at Buenos Aires and Interlagos in Fittipaldi's hands but new F1 regulations were introduced for subsequent races.

New sidepods, rear wing, oil tank and suspension were incorporated to keep pace with the regulations.

Fittipaldi won one more race in Spain but the four subsequent Lotus victories went to Ronnie Peterson. With points split between the two cars, the driver's title went again to Jackie Stewart with Lotus retaining the constructor's championship.