Sir Jack Brabham on dialysis treatment

Jack Brabham, 83, who was knighted for his services to motor sport in 1979, said he now spent three days a week in hospital having the treatment since his kidneys started to fail two years ago. Brabham was F1 champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966 and is the only driver in the sport's history to win the championship in a car of his own construction. Unfortunately, I don't get the time to do the things I want any more," Brabham told The Daily Telegraph.

"I really only get two days a week where I can do anything. I am a dialysis patient and it takes five hours, three days a week. I have really had my wings clipped."

Brabham, who drove in 126 Grands Prix from 1955 to 1970, said he has had to adjust to the restrictions imposed on him by his illness.

"The last Formula One event I went to was in Melbourne a couple of years ago," he said.

"I used to go every year, but unfortunately my condition doesn't let me. But I am not complaining. Aside from my kidneys, I am in good health.

"I had ambitions to keep on achieving things in my life, but I am resigned to the fact I have to be in hospital three days a week.

"I can't rush out and do things anymore, but I have accepted that."