Stewart's win by four minutes

[ Author ]

[ Publication date ]

[ Related articles ]

Who? Jackie Stewart What? Matra International Matra-Cosworth MS10 Where? Nürburgring When? 1968 German GP

Why? For a man having campaigned solemnly against the safety risks of old-fashioned Formula One, Jackie Stewart could never be seen as a coward. The starkest example of his bravery was set in the rain-sodden 1968 German GP. In a race which should never have taken place in the first place, JYS powered ahead on the first 14-mile blast through the fog and was unseen for his competitors until the chequered flag. While qualifying had already seen horrendous Eifel weather, the race was started during a brief dry spell. Stewart, earlier having voiced his opposition against racing in these conditions, had been forced by Ken Tyrrell to take the start. He was sixth on the grid, behind the Ferraris of Ickx and Amon, Rindt's Brabham, Hill's Lotus and Vic Elford's surprising Cooper. To minimize the chance of spray blocking his view, Jackie shot away at the start and was third by the first corner. By the Karusell he had passed Hill and Amon and disappeared into the mist, his hand-cut Dunlops working like a charm. For the next two hours and 19 minutes he drove with extreme precision, avoiding pressure on his hurt wrist. He eventually won by the largest victory margin in Grands Prix to date. A whopping 4 minutes and 3 seconds. Had he been witness to this gargantuan win, Nebelmeister Bernd Rosemeyer would have been proud to carry over his coveted nickname to the wee Scotsman...