Sir John Young “Jackie” Stewart, OBE, is a British former racing driver, broadcaster, and motorsport executive from Scotland. Stewart is celebrated for his illustrious career in Formula One, where he won three World Drivers’ Championship titles.
Known as “The Flying Scot,” Stewart was a dominant force in the sport during the late 1960s and early 1970s and played a crucial role in advocating for safety improvements in motor racing.
You can follow Jackie Stewart’s biography, personal details, wife and children, career overview, achievements, net worth, salary, earnings, endorsements, stats, and more here.
Jackie Stewart’s Biography
| Full Name | John Young “Jackie” Stewart |
| Nickname | The Flying Scot |
| Birth Date | June 11, 1939 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Birthplace | Milton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Turned Professional | 1965 |
| Current Net Worth | $50 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Helen McGregor |
| Children | 2 sons (Paul, and Mark) |
Jackie Stewart, born John Young Stewart on June 11, 1939, in Milton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland, emerged from a modest background to become one of the most celebrated figures in motorsport history.
Stewart’s father had a passion for motorcycles and was an amateur racer, while his older brother, Jimmy Stewart, ventured into car racing and even competed in the 1953 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Wife and Children
Jackie Stewart has been married to Helen McGregor since 1962. The couple met as teenagers in Helensburgh, Scotland.
The Stewarts have two sons, Paul and Mark. Paul Stewart followed in his father’s footsteps into the world of motorsports. Mark Stewart chose a different path, becoming a successful film and television producer.
Career
Jackie Stewart’s professional career in Formula One began with BRM in 1965. He later joined forces with Ken Tyrrell to form one of the most successful partnerships in F1 history.
Over his career, Stewart won 3 World Championships (1969, 1971, 1973) and secured 27 Grand Prix victories before retiring at the end of the 1973 season.
Beyond his racing achievements, Stewart was a pioneering advocate for safety in Formula One, campaigning for improved safety measures that have saved countless lives.
After retiring from competitive racing in 1973, Stewart continued to impact Formula One as a team owner. In 1997, he co-founded the Stewart Grand Prix team with his son Paul.
The team achieved notable success before being sold to Ford Motor Company, eventually becoming part of what is now Red Bull Racing.
Achievements
- Three-time Formula One World Champion (1969, 1971, 1973)
- Won a total of 27 Grand Prix races
- Instrumental in improving safety standards in motor racing
- Founder of the Stewart Grand Prix team
- Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Jackie Stewart’s Net Worth Details
Jackie Stewart’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of 2025.
This wealth is attributed to his successful racing career, business ventures, real estate investments, and brand endorsements.
Salary
| Year | Source | Amount | Notes |
| 1965 | BRM Contract | £4,000 (approx. $5,000) | Initial contract with British Racing Motors. |
| 1972 | BRM Salary | $156,000 | Annual salary during his time with BRM. |
| 1973 | Driving and Endorsements | $600,000 | Combined earnings from racing and endorsements in his final F1 season |
Career Earnings
Jackie Stewart’s career earnings were a combination of his salary as a Formula One driver, prize money from race victories, and lucrative endorsement deals. During his peak years in the early 1970s, Stewart was one of the highest-paid drivers in the sport.
In 1973, he reportedly earned $600,000 from both driving and endorsements, a substantial sum at the time.
His initial contract with BRM in 1965 was valued at £4,000 (approximately $5,000), which marked the beginning of his professional racing career.
Endorsements
Jackie Stewart has been associated with several prestigious brands throughout his career. Here are some of the key endorsements and brand relationships he has maintained:
- Rolex
- Ford
- HSBC
- ELF:
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
| World Championships | 3 |
| Races | 100 |
| Wins | 27 |
| Podiums | 43 |
| Pole Positions | 17 |
| Fastest Laps | 15 |
| Career Points | 359 |
FAQs
1. How many Formula 1 championships did Jackie Stewart win and for which teams?
Stewart won three Formula 1 World Championships (1969 with Matra; 1971 and 1973 with Tyrrell), becoming one of the most successful drivers of his era and widely respected for his consistent performances.
2. What are Stewart’s key career statistics in Formula 1?
He entered 100 Grands Prix with 99 starts, securing 27 wins, 43 podiums, 17 pole positions, and 15 fastest laps. His win rate and podium finishes rank among the best in F1 history.
3. What is Stewart’s legacy regarding safety in racing?
He championed improved safety standards, introducing mandatory seat belts, full-face helmets, fire-resistant suits, run-off areas, and better medical facilities, significantly reducing deaths in Formula 1.
4. What was Stewart’s racing style and reputation on track?
He was renowned for his smooth, consistent driving, ability to master wet conditions, tactical intelligence, and avoidance of unnecessary risks, earning him the nickname “The Flying Scot”.
5. Which other forms of racing did Stewart have success in?
Aside from F1, Stewart won the 1966 Tasman Series, 1966 Rothmans 12 Hour International Sports Car Race, and competed with distinction in Can-Am, touring cars, and endurance racing.
6. What is Stewart’s connection to Stewart Grand Prix?
He co-founded Stewart Grand Prix with his son Paul in 1996. The team competed in F1 from 1997 to 1999, won the 1999 European GP, and later became Jaguar Racing and then Red Bull Racing.
7. How did Stewart’s personal life intertwine with his racing career?
He married Helen McGregor, who attended every race and supported him through tragedies and triumphs. Stewart’s career and personal life are marked by enduring love and facing adversity, including Helen’s later battle with dementia.
8. What obstacles did Stewart overcome personally and professionally?
Diagnosed with dyslexia, Stewart struggled academically but excelled through determination and attention to detail. He also faced grief from losing many colleagues to racing accidents, which fuelled his safety crusade.
9. What honors and recognition has Stewart received after retirement?
He was knighted in 2001, named to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, and remains a global ambassador for racing, motor industry safety, awareness of dyslexia, and philanthropy.
10. What is Stewart’s lasting impact on racing and culture?
Stewart is celebrated as a three-time champion, safety pioneer, and role model for perseverance, strategic thinking, and social advocacy. His influence shaped the modern, safer era of motorsport.
