Jackie Stewart: 'There is no more camaraderie in Formula 1'

In his office where one of his world champion helmets (1969, 1971, 1973) sits proudly, Sir Jackie Stewart is as comfortable as in his seat of the time. Aged 84, the former Scottish driver still follows Formula 1 as an ambassador for the watchmaker Rolex and is passionate about this discipline “more glamorous, more professional and bigger” than in his time. Knighted in 2001, the dean of the world champions confided at length to Le Figaro as the paddock put down its single-seaters for the Monza GP.

LE FIGARO. - 58 years ago, you won your first Grand Prix at Monza. What memories do you keep of this great first in Formula 1?

Jackie STEWARD. - I was driving for British Motor Racing and it's a huge memory. The Italians are the most passionate and the best connoisseurs of F1. Monza has played a very important role in my life. Winning my first race in front of the incredible tifosi was very special. Of course, an even bigger moment was winning my first world championship at Monza in 1969. I then won my third and last title there in 1973 - 50 years ago this year.

Winning in Formula 1 makes you change dimensions...

Totally. Spectators recognized me and approached me. They were jumping everywhere (laughs). When I last won at Monza, my wife was with me, the fans jumped the barriers and chased us. We took refuge in the toilets and we had to escape through the window (laughs). Pilots are now better protected. Times were different. I have been very lucky.

How was the time different?

There was a real community. Pilots traveled together, vacationed together, and raced together. Today, the pilots are hidden in their motor homes. They hardly ever meet. There is no more camaraderie. I had real friendships with Jim Clark or Graham Hill. We knew each other. I knew their children. I saw Damon Hill when he started walking (laughs). And to see him become world champion two decades later… This is the kind of thing that we will never see again. Our wives timed us. My wife Helen followed my tricks and gave me advice. I love Formula 1, but this sport is not the same anymore: it is much more glamorous, bigger, more professional.

What is your fondest F1 memory?

These are my victories in Monaco. Of course winning in my country, at Silverstone, was an incredible emotion. But in Monaco, we were switching to the big world. Princess Grace presented you with the trophy. There were the Beatles, the Rolling Stones. Besides, I knew the Beatles well, especially George Harrison, because he was a big fan of motorsport.

You were one of the pioneers of safety in Formula 1. How do you view the progress of the sport in this area?

It has nothing to do with what I went through. Some of my friends have been killed in accidents. We were very exposed. When there was a death, we did not stop the race. When there was fire all over the track, you had to walk through the fire. People were at the edge of the track, unprotected. Even our wives! All that has changed with more safety in the car, but also on the track. Formula 1 has played a part in everyday life through its role in accelerating advancements in the automotive industry with new technologies, increased precision and improved reliability.

Do you still follow the Grand Prix?

Of course. I watch the races and I go there. I am lucky to be the ambassador of Rolex (world partner and official watch of Formula 1 and present since the 1930s in motorsport, Ed) since 1969 and my first title of world champion. I got my first watch, a Daytona, after my first pole position. A distributor in Germany promised me that I would get one if I got pole. I held my promise. Him too. Thanks to them, I attend a few GPs per season and I go up the grid to see the new generation.

What do you think of F1 in 2023?

Formula 1 is in an exceptional position and we are particularly excited about the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix. It's great for the sport and shows appreciation for the growing interest in the United States, which now has three races. Formula 1 has huge television audiences, visiting countries around the world and viewers have live access to the teams' conversations and the thoughts of the drivers during the race. This generates more emotion and enthusiasm for the sport than ever before.

How would you like to be a pilot today?

Of course, sport is still in me. There's the same excitement of being on amazing tours, visiting wonderful places and meeting amazing people. What has changed in Formula 1 is the professionalism. These days most people tell me how great my racing days were. I answer them that they are absolutely right, but it is considerably better today.

Today there are computers, piloting aids, statistics… Is this technological direction right for you?

It is not the engineer who presses the accelerator. I think it's the same thing, but in a different way. There is still so much passion. You always have to be with the best engineers and the best mechanics. There are more staff than before. In my day, there were seven mechanics to take care of two pilots. They are a hundred today. But you know, between yesterday and today, it hasn't changed: you have to win.

What is your take on the current pilots?

From the age of eight, they go karting, they meet, they get to know each other, but there is not the same camaraderie as in my time. When they arrive in Formula 1, they have practically all the codes of this sport. They have much more reliable cars, so it's their talent that comes through. They are still gentlemen who behave very well on and off the track. And they are lucky to work for very large stables which are perfectly organized. Look at Red Bull: there are thousands of people who are focused on getting two drivers to shine. It's the same for Ferrari, whose magic is still there, 80 years later.

Can the dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull affect Formula 1?

No one is untouchable. Someone will beat Red Bull and Verstappen at some point. Today, they seem untouchable, but everyone is looking to improve. At one point, Fangio was unbeatable, Schumacher, Vettel or Hamilton too. They ended up being beaten. All tall trees can fall. It all depends on the wind (smile).

You have a special link with France…

I have worked closely with French brands and colleagues during my career. I won my first world championship with Matra - the first title for a French car - and had a great friendship with the CEO at the time, Jean-Luc Lagardère. I also raced alongside two French teammates, including François Cevert with whom I was very close (died during practice at Watkins Glen in 1973 precipitating the end of the Scottish career, Ed). And I worked with Elf to promote the new generation of racing drivers in the Volant Elf competition at Le Castellet.