Challenges in the Life of Jackie Stewart in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Jackie Stewart faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Sir Jackie Stewart, nicknamed "the Flying Scot", is a retired British Formula One racing driver. He competed from 1965 to 1973, securing three World Drivers' Championship titles with Tyrrell. Upon retirement, Stewart held records for the most wins (27) and podium finishes (43). Beyond racing, he has worked as a broadcaster and motorsport executive.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1966: Crash at Spa-Francorchamps

In 1966, Jackie Stewart crashed at Spa-Francorchamps while driving at 165 mph (266 km/h) in heavy rain, hitting a telephone pole and a shed. He was trapped in the car, rescued by fellow drivers Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant, and lacked proper medical attention at the track. This incident spurred his advocacy for racing safety.

1966: Won the Monaco Grand Prix

In 1966, Jackie Stewart won the Monaco Grand Prix in a 2-litre engined car and had an accident at the Belgian Grand Prix, sparking his campaign to improve safety in F1.

1967: Struggles with BRM Reliability

In 1967, despite contesting the Tasman Series with Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and BRM struggled with reliability problems in F1, with Stewart's highest finish being second at Spa. However, he won F2 events at Karlskoga, Enna, Oulton Park, and Albi. He also placed 2nd in the BOAC 6 Hours at Brands Hatch.

1969: Boycott of Spa-Francorchamps

In 1969, Jackie Stewart organized a driver boycott of the race at Spa-Francorchamps due to safety concerns, demanding improvements to barriers, run-off areas, fire crews, and medical facilities.

1970: Boycott of Nürburgring

In 1970, Jackie Stewart, along with his close friend Jochen Rindt, boycotted the race at the Nürburgring, demanding improvements to track safety measures such as barriers, run-off areas, fire crews, and medical facilities.

1971: Mononucleosis Diagnosis

In 1971, Jackie Stewart was diagnosed with mononucleosis. Despite this, he continued to race, winning the Formula 1 World Championship.

1971: F1 World Championship win and Can-Am season

In 1971, Jackie Stewart won the F1 World Championship using the Tyrrell 003-Cosworth, with victories in Spain, Monaco, France, Britain, Germany, and Canada. He also participated in a full Can-Am season, driving a Carl Haas sponsored Lola T260-Chevrolet, winning two races and finishing 3rd in the championship. Stewart battled mononucleosis and frequently crossed the Atlantic Ocean for media commitments while winning the championship.

1972: Boycott of Zandvoort

In 1972, Jackie Stewart led a driver boycott of the race at Zandvoort until improvements were made to barriers, run-off areas, fire crews, and medical facilities, enhancing track safety.

1977: Commentary on Driver Safety

During the 1977 Daytona 500, after Bobby Wawak was burned in a car fire, Jackie Stewart criticized driver negligence regarding fireproof clothing, advocating for flame-resistant and thermal underwear. He highlighted the importance of proper protection for drivers.

1980: Diagnosed with Dyslexia

In 1980, Jackie Stewart was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 41, after his oldest son Mark was diagnosed with the condition.

1986: Departure from ABC Sports

In 1986, Jackie Stewart left ABC Sports due to tension with producer Roone Arledge over Stewart's commercials for Ford Motor Company airing on Wide World of Sports. Stewart mentioned the network's shift after merging with ESPN and Capital Cities, leading to reduced budgets.

1986: End of ABC Sports Commentary

In 1986, Jackie Stewart's time as a commentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports came to an end, after tensions between him and ABC Sports producer Roone Arledge. He was doing commercials for Ford Motor Company, which aired on Wide World of Sports, causing conflict. He revealed in his book that Wide World of Sports began to lose its soul when ABC first merged with ESPN and then with Capital Cities.

1998: Stewart Grand Prix's Second Season

In 1998, Stewart Grand Prix's second season proved less competitive, with the team failing to achieve any podium finishes and scoring few points throughout the year.