Hazel Chapman, co-founder of Lotus, died

Colin Chapman, who died in 1982, is forever linked to the legendary motorsport brand Lotus. At his side he always had his wife Hazel. She died this week at the age of 94, the brand announced.

Lotus was founded in 1952 by Colin and Hazel. Eventually the brand also made its entrance into Formula 1, with household names such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti as drivers. They all became world champions with a Lotus. Moreover, Lotus won seven manufacturer's championships.

In 1982 Colin Chapman was killed. In 1990 Lotus was sold by the Chapman family. Hazel Chapman remained connected to the marque, amongst others as director of Classic Team Lotus. She was a kind of supervisor of the history of the illustrious brand.

At Lotus they obviously react with sadness to the death of Hazel Chapman. “This is a very sad day for everyone around the world associated with Lotus. Without Hazel Chapman there would be no Lotus. The entire Hethel team, and those working at our facilities around the world, send their sincere condolences and best wishes to the Chapman family.”