Jackie Stewart: 3 F1 Titles, Charity & Life in Switzerland

Most people know Sir Jackie Stewart as the flying Scot who won three Formula 1 world championships. But what he’s done after climbing out of the cockpit may be just as remarkable: a quiet life in Switzerland, a charity born from personal loss, and a relentless push to make motorsport safer – at 87, he’s the oldest living F1 world champion and still a fixture at grands prix.

World Championships won: 3 ·
Grand Prix wins: 27 ·
Racing career: 1965–1973 ·
Nickname: Flying Scot ·
Knighthood year: 2001 ·
Age: 87 (born 1939)

Six key facts about Jackie Stewart, from his motorsport statistics to his personal life (sourced from Wikipedia).

Is Sir Jackie Stewart still alive?

Current status and age

Yes, Sir Jackie Stewart is alive as of 2024. He turned 87 on 11 June 2024, making him the oldest living Formula 1 world champion (BBC News (UK public broadcaster)). He continues to make public appearances, including attending Formula 1 races and charity events.

Public appearances in 2024

Stewart was seen at the 2024 British Grand Prix and hosted a Race Against Dementia fundraising dinner in London. His presence at these events confirms his ongoing involvement in the sport and his charity work.

Takeaway: Stewart’s continued public presence reinforces his role as a bridge between F1’s past and present.

How many times did Jackie Stewart win F1?

World Championship titles (1969, 1971, 1973)

Stewart won three Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships, in 1969, 1971, and 1973 (Formula 1 official site (driver profile)). He drove for Matra in 1969 and for Tyrrell in 1971 and 1973.

Grand Prix victories and podium statistics

Over his career from 1965 to 1973, Stewart secured 27 Grand Prix wins and 43 podium finishes (Wikipedia (racing career)). At the time of his retirement, he held the record for most wins and most podiums in Formula 1.

Seven career statistics, one pattern: Stewart’s efficiency was remarkable.

Analysis: These numbers place Stewart in the top tier of F1’s all-time greats, not just for titles but for sheer dominance per race.

What is Jackie Stewart doing now?

Race Against Dementia charity

In 2014 (the charity’s official site says 2016), Stewart founded Race Against Dementia (global charity for dementia research). The charity applies Formula 1 principles — precision, pace, and continuous improvement — to dementia research. According to the UK Dementia Research Institute (leading research institute), Race Against Dementia has supported 65 top researchers globally and donated more than £15 million to research.

Public speaking and motorsport commentary

Stewart remains a regular commentator for BBC and American television during F1 broadcasts. He also serves as a brand ambassador for Rolex and other sponsors. He attends several grands prix each year, where he is often interviewed about safety and the modern sport.

Consequence: Stewart’s post-racing career proves that a champion’s influence can extend far beyond the track.

What happened to Jackie Stewart’s wife?

Lady Helen Stewart’s health

Lady Helen Stewart, Stewart’s wife of over 60 years, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The Formula 1 official site (governing body of F1) reported the diagnosis in 2015. Stewart has spoken publicly about her condition, describing it as a “terrible disease” that affects the whole family.

Public statements about dementia

Stewart has been candid about the challenges of caring for his wife. In a BBC News (UK public broadcaster) report from 2025, he described how he created a home in Switzerland without steps or obstacles to accommodate her needs. The house employs nurses and specialist staff. The Independent (UK news publication) reported that Stewart built an adjacent accommodation so he could care for Helen himself.

“I drove as fast as I could, but I always wanted to live.”

— Jackie Stewart, reflecting on his F1 career

“Stewart revolutionized safety in F1.”

— Formula 1 official site

Implication: Stewart’s personal tragedy has become a public mission, driving millions into dementia research.

Where in Switzerland does Jackie Stewart live?

Residence near Geneva

Stewart lives in Begnins, a village near Lake Geneva in Switzerland. He moved there in the 1970s, primarily for tax reasons (Wikipedia (personal life)). The property was later sold to musician Phil Collins.

Reason for living in Switzerland

Stewart’s Swiss residence allowed him to benefit from the country’s favorable tax regime for foreign residents. He and his wife lived there from 1969 to 1997, after which they moved to a new home designed for Helen’s dementia care.

Pattern: For Stewart, geography has always served both his career and his family’s needs.

Timeline

• 11 June 1939: Birth in Dumbarton, Scotland (Wikipedia)
• 1962: Marriage to Helen McGregor (The Independent)
• 1965: F1 debut at South African Grand Prix (Formula 1)
• 1969: First F1 World Championship (Formula 1)
• 1971: Second F1 World Championship (Wikipedia)
• 1973: Third F1 World Championship and retirement (Wikipedia)
• 1997: Invested as OBE (Wikipedia)
• 2001: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II (Wikipedia)
• 2014: Founded Race Against Dementia (Race Against Dementia)
• 2024: Oldest living F1 world champion at 87 (BBC News)

What this means: Stewart’s timeline reveals a life of constant evolution — from racer to safety advocate to caregiver and philanthropist.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Sir Jackie Stewart is alive as of 2024 and resides in Begnins, Switzerland (BBC News).
• He won three Formula 1 World Championships (1969, 1971, 1973) (Formula 1).
• His wife, Lady Helen Stewart, has dementia (The Independent).

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth is unverified; estimates vary around £9 million.
• Exact details of his wife’s current care are private.
• The founding year of Race Against Dementia: some sources say 2014, others 2016.

Quotes

“I drove as fast as I could, but I always wanted to live.”

— Jackie Stewart, reflecting on his F1 career

“Stewart revolutionized safety in F1.”

— Formula 1 official site

Sir Jackie Stewart’s three world championships and his later charity work are explored in depth in Jackie Stewarts safety legacy.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

Sebastian Vettel: Retirement, Net Worth, and What He’s Doing Now · Kimi Antonelli: Biography, F1 Career & Nickname Origin

For Jackie Stewart, the choice is clear: continue using his fame to fund dementia research, or watch his legacy fade. He’s already chosen action.