How Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant Saved Sir Jackie Stewart's Life at the 1966 Belgian GP

Three-time Formula 1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart recently recounted a harrowing incident from the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix, where fellow drivers Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant saved his life after a severe crash at Spa-Francorchamps. This near-fatal experience became a catalyst for Stewart's lifelong advocacy for improved safety in motorsport.

Why it matters:

Stewart's efforts following this crash, particularly through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), fundamentally transformed Formula 1 safety. His unwavering commitment led to the implementation of crucial measures like enhanced track barriers, safer cockpits, and medical facilities, drastically reducing the sport's fatality rate.

The incident:

During the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix, Stewart suffered a major accident on the wet Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a shunt so severe it was the only one in his career he described as truly life-threatening. He was trapped in his car, and critically, there were no marshals or officials nearby to assist.

The rescue:

Fortuitously, Graham Hill and Bob Bondurant, who had also gone off track due to the treacherous conditions, discovered Stewart. They immediately rushed to his aid, extracting him from the wreckage. Stewart credits their quick actions as the sole reason he is alive today. Remarkably, a group of nuns from a nearby house provided initial assistance before Hill and Bondurant sought further medical help. Stewart recalls Hill removing his fuel-soaked clothes to prevent further burns, only for the nuns to insist on putting them back on.

What's next:

This incident galvanized Stewart to champion safety through the GPDA. He reflected on the stark contrast between the dangerously managed sport of his era and modern F1, where cars feature survival cells and unprecedented safety measures. Stewart's legacy is evident in the current state of Formula 1, which prioritizes driver safety above all else, a direct result of the changes he spearheaded.