“Better”. That’s how the oldest living Formula 1 world champion describes grand prix racing today compared with his own colourful but deadly era.
“It’s safer, more global, more people are watching it,” says Sir Jackie Stewart. “I still love going to the grands prix. Just look at the quality of the major sponsors…”
Stewart always did have an eye on the money, didn’t he? This year, he plans to attend “18 or 19” of the 23 grands prix scheduled in his sponsor roles for Rolex and Heineken. He’s 82, by the way.
But surely he wouldn’t swap his glorious time, when he raced against his friends Jim Clark, Graham Hill and Jochen Rindt, for today’s circus? “Well, I might have quite liked driving that Mercedes!” he quips. “I might have won the odd race. You never know…
“Listen, I had a lovely time. The only regrets I have are the people who are sadly no longer with us.” He means the dreadful headcount of those who perished while racing in his time. “My wife Helen counted 57 of our friends who drove racing cars,” he says. “Not all in F1, but 57. That doesn’t happen today.”
His latest race
Stewart is talking to me to tell us all about a new event this summer that will celebrate his career. It’s called the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic (presented by Rolex, naturally) and will be held at Thirlestane Castle in Berwickshire on 18-19 June. It will incorporate a concours d’élégance, run by the Borders Vintage Automobile Club, with Stewart working to collate as the centrepoint a display of every car he raced.
But while the three-time champion’s remarkable life and career will be in focus, it isn’t really about him at all. In reality, it’s about Lady Helen, who in recent years has been struck by the cruelty of dementia.
Typically, Stewart has responded to the devastation wrought by the illness by trying to do something about it, and all proceeds from the event will go to the charity that he has set up to find a cure for a cursed condition that affects so many.
“It’s the biggest thing in my life,” he says. “Bigger than anything else I’ve had to deal with.”
Starting with a bang
Join the debate
Add your comment
The fact taht Verstappen can drive now into other cars is encouraged by the safety measures initiated by Jacky Stewart. In his days of racing, it could be both murderous and suicidal. But he is still right, for today Fangio, Clark and he would not drive for crash, only for cash.
The World is too PC these Days?, if pe could be a bit more subjective,see situations from the middle ground instead of this red rag to a Bull stuff, the believe that whoever they support has been hard done by , Jackie Stewart tells it like it is, it's media that makes F1 or any public interest subject into a drama that it isn't, basically what Jackie was saying about Verstappen is that he needs to mature, that he Verstappen doesn't have to drive like he does take chances, the close your Eyes and hope move etc, Russell, I hope he keeps Hamilton honest on his toes looking over his shoulder,and so will Verstappen, all kicks off in March, let's hope it's as good as last year.
I'm surprised with Stewart's comments about Verstappen. Firstly, I'd thought with his safety background he'd be absolutely damming against the dirty and dagerous driving that Max is infamous for. Secondly, for having the rules changed adhoc against Lewis I'd have thought he'd be criticial of the FIA's failure to follow their own rules.
Max is the illegitimate champion and before Masi changed the rules it was always going to be Lewis. Mercedes had the rule book in front of them and knew they had to keep track position and couldn't give it up for fresh tyres, but also knew there wasn't time for the track to be cleared again to start racing. That race should have either been red flagged and declared, or finished under the safety car (with it pulling in before the cars crossed the line to finish).
As for dementia, my mum had it too in her later years. Even stopped recognising me, ask me where my mum was. It's a nasty disease, but thanfully she remained happy unlike some who seem to geet angry and abusive to other people. I even seen some old ladies in hospital picking fights with themselves.
I hope Sir Stewart reads your words. They all match my opinion and experience. Thank you.