“We used to have 65 races”, Jackie Stewart calls Max Verstappen’s era in F1 “easy”

Jackie Stewart is one of the biggest legends in Formula 1. He was not just a brilliant racer, but also an advocate for driver safety. Recently, he talked about Lewis Hamilton’s lack of hunger for success. In the same interview, he mentioned how it is easy for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to win nowadays. He also mentioned how racers back in his days had to race in 65 races a year.

Lewis Hamilton’s lack of hunger

Jackie Stewart recently commented that the problem Lewis Hamilton faces in Formula 1 is his lack of hunger. Lewis Hamilton then responded, calling these comments short-minded.

Fewer Chances to prove himself

Jackie Stewart said when he raced, the drivers only had 11 races to prove themselves.

“When I became world champion for the first time in 1969, we only competed in 11 grands prix. This year the calendar consisted of 24 races [although two were cancelled]. 

“Given the number, you can afford to have a bad weekend and still have a chance of winning the title afterwards. But that is only half the truth.”

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Max Verstappen has it easy

Max Verstappen keeps talking about how lengthy the Formula 1 calendar is, and how exhausting it becomes for a driver. Jackie Stewart recalled that the drivers couldn’t earn their livelihood just by Formula 1.

Max Verstappen on his #F1 future:

“I think I always said that even if there won't be any more sprint races, if we keep expanding the calendar and the whole weekend is that long, at one point you question yourself: is it worth it? I do like racing. I do like winning. I know that,

— The F1 Journal (@thef1journal_) April 27, 2023

“All they do all year long is compete for their team. Back then I still had to drive in rally, IndyCar, touring championships and many other competitions to earn enough money.

“While drivers now drive 24 races a year, I had 65 when I was at my peak.

“This meant that we travelled a lot more back then. My record for most Atlantic crossings in one year is 61!”

Luxury and Media Scrutiny

Jackie Stewart said how today’s drivers enjoy all sorts of luxury, albeit in a positive light. He remembers sleeping in tents, whereas now we have motorhomes, even in the junior Formulas. However, today’s drivers are also scrutinized for every single move.

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He recalls having drinks with journalists back in the day, knowing that his conversations wouldn’t make it to the newspapers. Will the Red Bull driver respond to these comments? Keep following us to find out.