Breakfast with Jackie Stewart

Weekend of a Champion, Roman Polanski’s 1972 documentary on Formula One champion Sir Jackie Stewart, has been re-released after being suppressed for 50 years.

It provides an intimate image of one of the finest drivers in motor racing, as well as an intimate snapshot of a very cool moment in Grand Prix racing. He won 27 Formula One races and was world champion three times (in 1969, 1971, and 1973).

In one clip, Jackie shows how to take a corner in Monte Carlo while eating breakfast in his undies. It becomes a master class in how to take any corner, a driving philosophy taught by a world champion at the pinnacle of his powers.

You’re doing it with gentleness, you’re being kind to your motor car, it’s being kind to you.  You’re great friends, you’re married, you’re having a fantastic affair, everything’s united, you’re not arguing with anyone, when you change gear there’s no rush to change gear.”

F1 is a high-energy, high-g thrill coaster that is quick, loud, aggressive, risky, and violent. Jackie, on the other hand, is all smooth, kind, and clean. We may claim he is “ahead of the automobile.” He summarizes it as follows:

Drivers, drivers, drivers. The racing appears to be brutal and insane. Jackie, on the other hand, is focused on stroking the corner, keeping clean lines, and moving slowly.

“The smoothest and quietest way—the slowest way—around Monte Carlo is the fastest way.”

See you on the track!