Great Scots: Sir Jackie Stewart, Formula 1 racing driver

Heralded as one of the greatest motor racing drivers in Scottish history, Sir Jackie Stewart’s achievements in Formula One not only encompass three world championships, 27 victories and over 40 podium finishes during 8 years of racing, but his pioneering work as a campaigner for driver safety has seen the West Dumbartonshire native take on an even greater significance as an ambassador for the sport.

Stewart’s interest in cars began at an early age: his family ran a successful Jaguar dealership, and his older brother, Jimmy, was a racing driver. Though initially encouraged to try shooting (at which he was also adept, narrowly missing a place at the Olympics in 1960), by 1964 he was competing in Formula 3, and by 1969 he had won his first championship in Formula 1 with Ken Tyrrell’s Matra team. After a crash at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1966, Stewart began campaigning for improved safety standards in motor racing. His proposals were met with resistance from various parties, but after sustained pressure improved medical facilities and safety barriers were introduced, amongst a raft of other measures. Stewart has also been a commentator, team owner (Stewart Grand Prix, which he ran with his son Pau for three seasons) and consultant.