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Jackie Stewart

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Sir John Young Stewart is a legendary figure in the world of motorsport.

Helmet-Sir-Jackie-Stewart-byRundvald
Helmet-Sir-Jackie-Stewart-byRundvald

Born on June 11, 1939, in Milton, Scotland, he became one of the most successful racing drivers in history. Known by the nickname "the Flying Scot," Stewart competed in Formula One from 1965 to 1973. During this era, he achieved incredible milestones that defined his career. He won three Formula One World Drivers' Championship titles while racing for the Tyrrell team. At the time of his retirement, he held the records for the most career wins with 27 victories. He also recorded 43 podium finishes, which are top-three race results.

Stewart at 1970 Dutch Grand Prix (2)
Stewart at 1970 Dutch Grand Prix (2)

Stewart's path to professional racing was shaped by both family tradition and personal struggle. His family operated successful Austin and Jaguar car dealerships in Scotland. His father was an amateur motorcycle racer, and his brother Jimmy also raced. However, Stewart faced significant challenges during his school years due to undiagnosed dyslexia. Because the condition was not widely understood in the mid-20th century, he faced humiliation from teachers and peers. He eventually left school at age 16 to work as an apprentice mechanic in his father's garage. It was not until he was 41 years old that he received an official diagnosis. Stewart later noted that dyslexia helped him think "out of the box," a trait useful in racing.

Before entering the high-speed world of Formula One, Stewart proved his skill in other disciplines. At age 13, he became a prize-winning member of the Scottish shooting team. He won championships in skeet shooting across the United Kingdom and Europe. He even finished third in his attempt to join the British trap shooting team for the 1960 Summer Olympics. His mechanical interest grew as he saved money from his garage job to buy an Austin A30. He began testing various cars at Oulton Park, including a Marcos and an Aston DB4GT. By 1963, he had earned fourteen wins in various racing categories, proving he was ready for professional competition.

Stewart's entry into Formula One began with the BRM team in 1965.

Kranefuß, Mike, u. Stewart, J. (Foto Spu 1973)-1
Kranefuß, Mike, u. Stewart, J. (Foto Spu 1973)-1

He signed a contract worth £4,000 and quickly made his mark. He won his first World Championship race at Monza during his rookie season. However, the 1966 season brought both excitement and danger. While he nearly won the Indianapolis 500, a broken scavenge pump prevented a victory. More importantly, a serious accident at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps changed his perspective on the sport. This event became the catalyst for his lifelong mission to improve racing safety.

In 1968, Stewart transitioned to the Tyrrell team, which led to his most dominant years.

He drove the Matra MS10-Cosworth and took an active role in team management. He negotiated with sponsors and worked closely with engine and tyre suppliers like Ford and Goodyear. In 1969, he drove the Matra MS80-Cosworth to his first World Championship. That year, he achieved a unique feat by leading at least one lap of every single World Championship Grand Prix. He also demonstrated incredible skill in poor visibility, winning races in heavy rain and thick fog.

Jackie Stewart Tyrrell 003 Brands Hatch 1971
Jackie Stewart Tyrrell 003 Brands Hatch 1971

Stewart's success continued into the early 1970s as he helped develop new machinery. He won the Formula One World Championship again in 1971 using the Tyrrell 003-Cosworth. Throughout his career, he competed in various series, including the Can-Am series in 1970 and 1971. He also participated in the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even after his primary racing years, he remained involved in the sport by running the Stewart Grand Prix team with his son, Paul, between 1997 and 1999. His ability to adapt to different car types and racing formats cemented his status as a versatile athlete.

Beyond the cockpit, Stewart's influence extended to broadcasting and safety advocacy. He became a well-known sports commentator for the ABC network, covering the Indianapolis 500 and the Summer Olympics. His distinct Scottish accent made him a recognizable figure on television. Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, is his work as a tireless campaigner for driver safety. He fought for better medical facilities and improved track designs at racing circuits worldwide. As the last surviving Formula One World Champion from the 1960s, he remains a vital link to the history of the sport.

Jackie Stewart at the 2014 WEC Silverstone round
Jackie Stewart at the 2014 WEC Silverstone round
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