Former F1 driver Wilson Fittipaldi Jr's wife has confirmed the Brazilian suffered a cardiac arrest after choking over the festive period.
The 80-year-old took part in 35 races in the highest echelon of single-seater racing between 1972 and 1975 before setting up an eponymous team with brother and former F1 World Champion, Emerson.
But confirming the Christmas dinner incident in an Instagram post, Fittipaldi Jr's wife said: "During dinner, he choked on a piece of meat and suffered a lack of oxygen followed by cardiac arrest.
"He was resuscitated and is now sedated and intubated, we are waiting for him to wake up.
"He has a difficult post-surgical history of returning post-sedative, one day at a time, let's wait."
His wife added: "Yesterday I received countless phone calls and kind messages of support for the whole family.
"I appreciate all the messages, I know they are the ones that give us strength in this very difficult time.
"Continue the positive vibes of health and restoration for Wilsinho. God will make the best."
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