Jackie Stewart admits he’s glad he retired from Formula 1 before having to race ‘extra special’ 51-win driver

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The difference between modern Formula 1 and the races that Jackie Stewart took part in is extraordinary.

Jackie Stewart is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers ever to take part in Formula 1.

The Scot made his debut in 1965 and raced for BRM and Tyrrell before retiring just before his 100th race start.

He was set to retire after his 100th Grand Prix, only for his teammate and close friend, Francois Cevert, to be killed during a practice session at the 1973 United States Grand Prix.

The Flying Scot made the most of his 99 race starts in Formula 1, winning three drivers’ championships in 1969, 1971 and 1973.

Stewart credits his wife, Helen, for her help in becoming an F1 champion, but he’s now admitted there was one driver who made him glad he retired when he did.

Seven years after Stewart’s final race, Alain Prost arrived on the grid with McLaren.

The Frenchman went on to win 51 races and break many of the incredible records Stewart set.

READ MORE: All to know about Alain Prost including Ayrton Senna rivalry and failed F1 team

Jackie Stewart admits he was glad he retired from Formula 1 before having to race Alain Prost

Speaking on the famous Goodwood Balcony and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Karun Chandhok was interviewing Prost and Stewart.

Chandhok explained: “We were speaking earlier, and you [Stewart] were saying to me, if you look back through 75 years of Formula 1, you often have said that Alain Prost for you, is someone that you think is extra special, isn’t he?”

Stewart continued: “Terribly extra special, because he beat my record!

“No, Alain was a new generation completely in the sport. He was the best racing driver of his time, without any fear of contradiction.

“And I’m very glad I retired before I had to keep up with him!”

Prost replied to Stewart and said: “Jackie knows that he was my inspiration when I started in go-karts.

“You know, when you have somebody that you like and admire, I think maybe in your subconscious, you’re trying to do exactly the same thing.

“That means a lot of thinking, the setup of the car in an intelligent way.

“So, I must say thank you, Jackie, because you really inspired me today.”

Stewart then joked: “When he won the world championship to beat my record, I was there, completely p—– off, you have to understand.

“And now I have in my home, a lovely photograph of the two of us with me giving him a bottle of Moet & Chandon there.”

READ MORE: McLaren must learn from Jackie Stewart’s 1973 title if they want to avoid similar fate with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

How Alain Prost broke Jackie Stewart’s record for most Formula 1 wins

Stewart and Prost are both at a disadvantage compared to modern stars like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen when it comes to Formula 1 records.

There are now 24 Grand Prix in an F1 season, whereas in Stewart’s time, the longest campaign he took part in had 10 fewer races.

Stewart previously held the record for most Formula 1 wins, sitting on 27 victories when he retired.

His record stood for 14 years, until the 1987 Portuguese Grand Prix, when Prost beat Gerhard Berger and Nelson Piquet to earn the 28th win of his career.

Charles Leclerc broke one of Stewart’s records this season, and Hamilton has now more than doubled Prost’s winning tally as he approaches 400 Grand Prix starts.

It highlights the vast difference between modern Formula 1 and the era Prost and Stewart raced in, but the Frenchman immediately made his mark on the sport, which will never be forgotten.