Sir John “Jackie” Stewart is a Scottish former Formula One racing driver, motorsport executive, and broadcaster. Competing from 1965 to 1973, Stewart earned the nickname “The Flying Scot” and won three World Championship titles. At the time of his retirement, he held the records for most career wins (27) and podium finishes (43).
| Nationality | British |
|---|---|
| Born | John Young Stewart 11 June 1939 Milton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland |
In addition to his three championships, Stewart finished as runner-up twice during his nine seasons in Formula One. He remained the only British driver with three world titles until Lewis Hamilton matched his record in 2015. Beyond Formula One, Stewart came close to victory in his debut at the Indianapolis 500 in 1966 and participated in the Can-Am series in 1970 and 1971. From 1997 to 1999, Stewart, alongside his son Paul, led the Stewart Grand Prix team as team principal.
Following his retirement from racing, Stewart became a notable sports commentator for ABC, covering auto racing, including the Indianapolis 500, and the Summer Olympics, where his strong Scottish accent became a signature part of his broadcasts. He also appeared in television commercials, representing brands like Ford and Heineken.
A tireless advocate for motor racing safety, Stewart played a key role in pushing for improved medical facilities and track conditions. After John Surtees died in 2017, Stewart became the last surviving Formula One World Champion from the 1960s and remains the oldest living Grand Prix winner.
BRM (1965–1967)
Stewart’s debut season in Formula One came with BRM. His first race was at the 1965 South African Grand Prix, where he finished a respectable sixth. However, it was at the 1965 Italian Grand Prix later that year that Stewart really made a mark by securing his first Formula One win at Monza.
In 1966, Stewart came close to winning the World Championship, finishing third overall despite being in an underpowered car. One of the key races that year was the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, where Stewart dominated on the tight and challenging street circuit, leading from start to finish. However, the year was also marked by a frightening incident at the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Stewart’s car crashed in wet conditions, flipping over and trapping him in the wreckage while fuel leaked dangerously around him. This accident was a defining moment in Stewart’s life, galvanizing his later campaigns for improved safety standards in Formula One.
By 1967, BRM’s performance was beginning to wane, and despite his efforts, Stewart could only manage to finish ninth in the drivers’ standings.
Matra International (1968–1969)
In 1968, Jackie Stewart joined Matra International, a team run by Ken Tyrrell but using the Matra MS10 chassis. This collaboration turned out to be the start of a dominant period in Stewart’s career. Matra had an innovative car, and Stewart capitalised on its potential to become a serious title contender. Despite suffering from a wrist injury that year, Stewart managed to finish second in the championship behind Graham Hill. One of his most iconic drives that season was at the 1968 German Grand Prix, where, in extremely wet conditions, Stewart won the race by over four minutes to his closest rival.
In 1969, everything came together for Stewart and Matra. He dominated the season, easily winning six of the eleven races and clinching his first Formula One World Championship. His win at the 1969 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was particularly memorable, as it was his first in front of a home crowd. Stewart’s victory at the 1969 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he sealed the championship, capped off a near-flawless season, meant that Matra became the first team to win both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships with a car that had a monocoque chassis.
Tyrrell (1970–1973)
For the 1970 season, Stewart’s long-time team boss, Ken Tyrrell, decided to form his own team after a split with Matra. Stewart followed Tyrrell to this new team, which initially ran the March 701 chassis while Tyrrell worked on building its own car, the Tyrrell 001. The March 701 was un-competitive, and Stewart struggled throughout the season, managing only one win at the 1970 Spanish Grand Prix. He finished fifth in the drivers’ standings.
In 1971, with the new Tyrrell 003, Stewart returned to dominance. He won six races, including the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix and the 1971 French Grand Prix, which secured his second World Championship with three races to spare. His drive at the 1971 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring once again demonstrated his mastery of one of the most dangerous tracks on the calendar, repeating his 1968 victory.
The 1972 season was more difficult for Stewart, as he was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer that limited his performance. Nevertheless, he managed four podium finishes and ended the season second in the championship behind Emerson Fittipaldi.
Stewart’s final season, in 1973, was a triumphant one. The Tyrrell 006 proved to be highly competitive, and Stewart displayed his usual blend of tactical driving and raw speed. He won five races that season, including the 1973 Dutch Grand Prix and the German Grand Prix, which helped him secure his third World Championship. However, the season was overshadowed by the tragic death of his teammate Francois Cevert during practice for the 1973 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. Deeply affected by Cevert’s death and the toll the dangers of racing had taken on his life and others, Stewart announced his immediate retirement from the sport.
He had planned to make the U.S. Grand Prix his 100th race, but out of respect for Cevert and in light of the tragedy, he withdrew from the event.
Legacy and Safety Advocacy
Beyond his on-track achievements, Jackie Stewart’s legacy is linked to his pioneering efforts to improve safety in Formula One. His near-fatal crash at Spa in 1966 was a turning point, as he realised the inadequate safety measures at circuits and the lack of proper medical facilities endangered drivers’ lives. Stewart worked tirelessly to promote safer track conditions, the use of full-face helmets, and better emergency response systems. His advocacy was initially unpopular with some drivers and organisers, but over time, his efforts led to significant reforms that have undoubtedly saved countless lives in motorsport.
Stewart’s career ended with 27 wins, three championships, and a reputation as one of the most influential figures in Formula One, both on and off the track.
Jackie Stewart Formula One World Championship career
| F1 Career | 1965–1973 |
|---|---|
| Teams | BRM, Matra, March, Tyrrell |
| Entries | 100 (99 starts) |
| Championships | 3 (1969, 1971, 1973) |
| Wins | 27 |
| Podiums | 43 |
| Career points | 359 (360) |
| Pole positions | 17 |
| Fastest laps | 15 |
| First entry | 1965 South African Grand Prix |
| First win | 1965 Italian Grand Prix |
| Last win | 1973 German Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1973 United States Grand Prix |
Jackie Stewart Teammates
| 9 Teammates | Involvement | First Year | Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Attwood | 1 | 1965 | |
| Graham Hill | 18 | 1965 | 1966 |
| Mike Spence | 11 | 1967 | |
| Johnny Servoz-Gavin | 11 | 1968 | 1970 |
| Jean-Pierre Beltoise | 11 | 1969 | |
| Francois Cevert | 47 | 1970 | 1973 |
| Peter Revson | 1 | 1971 | |
| Patrick Depailler | 2 | 1972 | |
| Chris Amon | 2 | 1973 |
Race Wins
| Win | Race | Win | Race |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1965 Italian Grand Prix | 15 | 1971 French Grand Prix |
| 2 | 1966 Monaco Grand Prix | 16 | 1971 British Grand Prix |
| 3 | 1968 Dutch Grand Prix | 17 | 1971 German Grand Prix |
| 4 | 1968 German Grand Prix | 18 | 1971 Canadian Grand Prix |
| 5 | 1968 United States Grand Prix | 19 | 1972 Argentine Grand Prix |
| 6 | 1969 South African Grand Prix | 20 | 1972 French Grand Prix |
| 7 | 1969 Spanish Grand Prix | 21 | 1972 Canadian Grand Prix |
| 8 | 1969 Dutch Grand Prix | 22 | 1972 United States Grand Prix |
| 9 | 1969 French Grand Prix | 23 | 1973 South African Grand Prix |
| 10 | 1969 British Grand Prix | 24 | 1973 Belgian Grand Prix |
| 11 | 1969 Italian Grand Prix | 25 | 1973 Monaco Grand Prix |
| 12 | 1970 Spanish Grand Prix | 26 | 1973 Dutch Grand Prix |
| 13 | 1971 Spanish Grand Prix | 27 | 1973 German Grand Prix |
| 14 | 1971 Monaco Grand Prix |
Complete Formula One results
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | WDC | Points1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Owen Racing Organisation | BRM P261 | BRM P56 1.5 V8 | RSA 6 | MON 3 | BEL 2 | FRA 2 | GBR 5 | NED 2 | GER Ret | ITA 1 | USA Ret | MEX Ret | 3rd | 33 (34) | |||||
| 1966 | Owen Racing Organisation | BRM P261 | BRM P60 2.0 V8 | MON 1 | BEL Ret | FRA | GBR Ret | NED 4 | GER 5 | 7th | 14 | |||||||||
| BRM P83 | BRM P75 3.0 H16 | ITA Ret | USA Ret | MEX Ret | ||||||||||||||||
| 1967 | Owen Racing Organisation | BRM P83 | BRM P75 3.0 H16 | RSA Ret | NED Ret | BEL 2 | GBR Ret | 9th | 10 | |||||||||||
| BRM P261 | BRM P60 2.1 V8 | MON Ret | FRA 3 | |||||||||||||||||
| BRM P115 | BRM P75 3.0 H16 | GER Ret | CAN Ret | ITA Ret | USA Ret | MEX Ret | ||||||||||||||
| 1968 | Matra International | Matra MS9 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | RSA Ret | ESP | MON | 2nd | 36 | ||||||||||||
| Matra MS10 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | BEL 4 | NED 1 | FRA 3 | GBR 6 | GER 1 | ITA Ret | CAN 6 | USA 1 | MEX 7 | ||||||||||
| 1969 | Matra International | Matra MS10 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | RSA 1 | 1st | 63 | ||||||||||||||
| Matra MS80 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ESP 1 | MON Ret | NED 1 | FRA 1 | GBR 1 | GER 2 | ITA 1 | CAN Ret | USA Ret | MEX 4 | |||||||||
| 1970 | Tyrrell Racing Organisation | March 701 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | RSA 3 | ESP 1 | MON Ret | BEL Ret | NED 2 | FRA 9 | GBR Ret | GER Ret | AUT Ret | ITA 2 | 5th | 25 | |||||
| Tyrrell 001 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | CAN Ret | USA Ret | MEX Ret | ||||||||||||||||
| 1971 | Elf Team Tyrrell | Tyrrell 001 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | RSA 2 | 1st | 62 | ||||||||||||||
| Tyrrell 003 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ESP 1 | MON 1 | NED 11 | FRA 1 | GBR 1 | GER 1 | AUT Ret | ITA Ret | CAN 1 | USA 5 | |||||||||
| 1972 | Elf Team Tyrrell | Tyrrell 003 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ARG 1 | RSA Ret | ESP Ret | FRA 1 | GBR 2 | GER 11 | 2nd | 45 | |||||||||
| Tyrrell 004 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | MON 4 | BEL | |||||||||||||||||
| Tyrrell 005 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | AUT 7 | ITA Ret | CAN 1 | USA 1 | |||||||||||||||
| 1973 | Elf Team Tyrrell | Tyrrell 005 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | ARG 3 | BRA 2 | 1st | 71 | |||||||||||||
| Tyrrell 006 | Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 | RSA 1 | ESP Ret | BEL 1 | MON 1 | SWE 5 | FRA 4 | GBR 10 | NED 1 | GER 1 | AUT 2 | ITA 4 | CAN 5 | USA DNS |
Sources:
- Jackie Stewart. Wikipedia.com
