Stewart pays tribute to late brother Jimmy

(GMM) Sir Jackie Stewart has credited his late brother Jimmy for triggering his ultra-successful career in formula one.

Although Jimmy Stewart, who died aged 76 last week, only contested one championship grand prix, in 1953, his professional motor racing career preceded fellow Scot Jackie's by a full decade.

"If it hadn't been for following Jimmy around to the races with my autograph book as a teenager back in the 1950s when he was a leading sportscar driver for the likes of the Ecurie Ecosse team, Jaguar and Aston Martin, I don't think I would have become so passionately involved in the sport," Stewart, who is 68, told The Guardian.

Stewart won three formula one drivers' titles, in 1969, 1971 and 1973.

He continued: "Many would have left their younger brother at home, but Jim looked after me. I owe him almost everything, because he selflessly showed me the way."

The British newspaper said the Stewart brothers had become estranged when Jimmy, who recovered from alcoholism, was resentful of Jackie's achievements.

They later reconciled.