F1 icon Jackie Stewart completes final lap in Bahrain
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
Triple world champion Jackie Stewart, 85, has likely taken his last lap in a Formula 1 car, driving his 1973 title-winning Tyrrell around the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit. On the eve of the race, the legendary Scot, known for his championship victories in 1969, 1971, and 1973, navigated the course behind the safety car, defying the afternoon heat with grace and poise.
Reflecting on the experience, Stewart told Reuters, "I would have thought that's it," when questioned if this was indeed his final appearance behind the wheel of a Grand Prix racer. Despite the leisurely pace, Stewart expressed joy, sharing, "You don't forget where first gear, fifth gear is. The car felt wonderful. I mean, we didn't go fast, but the whole feeling of the car was great... It was fun to do it."
Stewart humorously recounted his thoughts before the drive, noting, "'This is a problem,'" referring to the intricacies of donning the racing attire. "Getting dressed, so much stuff, everything's thermal. As if I were racing," he remarked. The racing overalls, made locally in Bahrain, impressed Stewart with their craftsmanship, comparable to the constructors of helmets.
If Stewart has indeed hung up his helmet, it's a remarkable one—a special edition signed by all 20 living F1 champions, including the legendary Michael Schumacher. Schumacher, unseen publicly since 2013 due to a brain injury, signed the initials MS with the help of his wife, Corinna.
The signed helmet holds profound significance for Stewart and his family, as it may serve as the centerpiece of an upcoming auction. Proceeds will support Stewart's Race Against Dementia charity, which funds research into a disease affecting his wife, Helen. Alternatively, the helmet could embark on a global tour to generate further funds.
"We're not in a rush, but we know we have something very valuable here. And you know, at the end of the season, we might be able to get a new world champion to sign it on top of it," explained Stewart’s son, Mark, who owns the Tyrrell. "As long as it raises money, that's the main thing. It's a special thing... To get my father together with his helmet and his 1973 world championship car is unique and a real special moment. We're all here. All his grandchildren are here to see this."
With his legacy firmly cemented in the annals of motorsport history, Stewart's final lap is both a tribute to his illustrious career and a poignant moment for his family and fans worldwide.
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