Sir Jackie Stewart chokes up during emotional tribute to F1 legend and ‘wonderful friend’

An emotional Sir Jackie Stewart was visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his ‘wonderful friend’ and fellow Formula 1 legend Jim Clark at the Goodwood Revival

Sir Jackie Stewart fought back tears as he paid tribute to “wonderful friend” and fellow multiple Formula 1 champion Jim Clark. The two Scots are bona fide British motorsport legends who starred in F1 more than half a century ago.

Clark won the title twice, first in 1963 and then again two years later, and in 1965 also became the first non-American to win the Indianapolis 500 for 49 years. But tragedy struck in 1968 when Clark, aged just 32, died in a crash while participating in a Formula 2 event at the Hockenheimring in Germany.

Stewart, who went on to become a three-time F1 champion himself, was one of those deeply affected by the accident. He and Clark had a bond not only because of their Scottish heritage but also as room-mates who would travel the globe together as they raced.

Clark’s legacy was celebrated over the weekend at the 2025 Goodwood Revival, to mark 60 years since the Scot’s second F1 title success. Among those present was Stewart, who paid a heartfelt tribute to the lost double F1 champion.

The 86-year-old said: “He was a wonderful friend. As two Scots, to participate in Formula 1 at that time was something new, but Jim was a very, very good friend of Helen [Stewart’s wife] and I. Throughout his career, he was the cleanest, best driver that I had ever been playing part of.

“We shared in London an apartment together – John Whitmore gave it to us, and Jim and I spent a lot of time there.” Stewart then choked up as he added: “So, even now, I feel sensitive about the whole thing.”

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There was another emotional moment when Stewart was presented with a trophy to commemorate the lap record which he and Clark broke at the Goodwood circuit 60 years ago. The lap they set on Easter Monday in 1965, while racing in the Sunday Mirror Trophy, which continues to be the track’s official lap record today.

A trophy was designed in 1960 which was to be given to any driver who manages to lap the circuit at 100mph. Clark received that prize during his lifetime, but Stewart never did – an injustice which was rectified this weekend when he was presented with a ‘Ton’ trophy bearing both their names.

“This is very much to right the historic wrong that Jackie never received this trophy in period, and something I hope he will be able to add to his unbelievably full trophy cabinet,” said the Duke of Richmond.

“It is such a privilege to celebrate Jim Clark at the Goodwood Revival this year. His achievements in 1965 are the stuff of legend, including uniquely winning the Formula 1 World Championship and the Indy 500 in the same season.”