Early Life and Education of Jackie Stewart: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jackie Stewart. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

June 1939: Jackie Stewart Born

In June 1939, John Young "Jackie" Stewart was born in Scotland.

Others born on this day/year

1953: Brother Competed in British Grand Prix

In 1953, Jackie Stewart's brother, Jimmy, competed in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

1960: Olympic Team Competition

In 1960, Jackie Stewart competed for a place in the British trap shooting team for the Summer Olympics, finishing third.

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.

1973: Victories and Retirement Decision

In 1973, Jackie Stewart won races in South Africa, Belgium, Monaco, and the Netherlands, achieving his record-setting 27th victory at the Nürburgring. Following the fatal crash of his teammate François Cevert in practice for the United States Grand Prix, Stewart retired one race earlier than planned. He had already secured the Drivers' Championship at the Italian Grand Prix.

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.

1996: Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University

In 1996, Jackie Stewart was awarded an honorary doctorate by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, acknowledging his accomplishments and influence beyond motorsports.

1997: Formation of Stewart Grand Prix

In 1997, Jackie Stewart returned to Formula One as a team owner, forming Stewart Grand Prix in partnership with his son, Paul. The team, a development of Paul Stewart Racing, debuted at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix and achieved its first success at the Monaco Grand Prix.

July 1998: Ford Acquires Cosworth

In July 1998, Ford acquired Cosworth, leading Stewart Grand Prix to design and build a new engine for the 1999 season, marking a significant shift in the team's technical direction.

1998: Honorary Doctorate from Cranfield University

In 1998, Jackie Stewart received an honorary doctorate from Cranfield University, where he later served as chairman of the steering committee for the MSc Motorsport Engineering and Management program.

2000: Acquisition by Ford

In 2000, Stewart Grand Prix was acquired by Ford and rebranded as Jaguar Racing, marking a transition in team ownership and identity.

2005: Jaguar Racing Becomes Red Bull Racing

In 2005, Jaguar Racing, formerly Stewart Grand Prix, was sold and became Red Bull Racing, continuing its presence in Formula One under new ownership and branding.

2008: Royal Bank of Scotland Loses £24bn

In 2008, the Royal Bank of Scotland experienced substantial financial losses, amounting to £24 billion, prompting Jackie Stewart to waive his consultancy fee in response the following year.

March 2009: Waiving Royal Bank of Scotland Fee

In March 2009, Jackie Stewart, serving as head sports consultant for the Royal Bank of Scotland, waived his fee for the year in response to the bank's significant financial losses in 2008, demonstrating his commitment to the organization.

March 2017: Last Surviving F1 Champion from the 1960s

In March 2017, following the death of John Surtees, Jackie Stewart became the last surviving F1 World Champion from the 1960s.

2022: Oldest Living F1 Winner

In 2022, upon the death of Tony Brooks, Jackie Stewart became the oldest living F1 winner. Brooks raced during the 1950s.

2023: Commentary Career and Concorde Flights

In 2023, Jackie Stewart revealed that while working for ABC's Wide World of Sports, he would frequently fly on the Concorde for race telecasts. He worked with Jim McKay and covered events like stock car races in Atlanta, Georgia, utilizing helicopters to quickly return for night flights.

2023: Beyond the Grid Podcast Revelation

In 2023, on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Jackie Stewart revealed his decision to retire was influenced by the demanding pace of his life, the loss of friends, and health issues, including mononucleosis in 1971 and a burst gastritis. He cited the heavy travel schedule and the dangers of racing as primary reasons for his retirement.