Sir Jackie Stewart on why he's spending millions on dementia research

Sir Jackie Stewart is a three times Formula 1 champion, who turns 86 this month. Helen, his wife of more than 60 years, has dementia which led to him founding the Race Against Dementia.

He spoke to Saga Magazine about losing so many friends to F1 and how he's funded millions of pounds of research since Lady Stewart's diagnosis.

On losing more than 50 friends to F1

Safety was virtually non-existent when I raced. One year we lost a driver every month. There were no crash barriers, doctors or ambulances at circuits – it’s a miracle I survived to win 27 Grands Prix. In fact, I’m now the oldest living F1 champion. 

When I crashed at the Belgian Grand Prix in 1966, I was trapped upside-down in my car for 25 minutes, soaked in fuel. I lost many pals in horrible circumstances, including fellow Scot Jim Clark two years later. By then I had been to a lot of funerals and held it together, but I cried that day.

My farm in Buckinghamshire has wooden benches dotted around the grounds, one for each of the friends I lost. There are 57. 

His work with dementia

Nowadays, Helen and I spend our time in Switzerland, where we own a home on the shore of Lake Geneva. I exercise every morning, then walk our Norfolk terriers, Jack and Jill. 

All my family visit the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota yearly for a check-up. It was there Helen was diagnosed with dementia in 2014 – and I was shocked to learn there’s no cure.

We set up the charity Race Against Dementia nine years ago and I’ve funded millions of pounds of research since. 

Helen is in a purpose-built apartment beside our Swiss house and receives round-the-clock  care.  She can no longer walk and her memory has suffered. I didn’t want her to go into a home, but I know many are not so fortunate. I’ve visited some care facilities and left in tears.

Celebrating 75 years of F1

I still love watching a Grand Prix – racing has been my life. I’m looking forward to Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer, which will celebrate 75 years of F1.

The 2025 F1 season should be a thriller. Lewis Hamilton has a real chance at Ferrari. He’s 40 now, but age shouldn’t be a barrier.