Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula One™ Drivers’ World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, today drove his BRM P261 V8 around the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first Grand Prix victory.
It was on the 12 September 1965, whilst racing for BRM (British Racing Motors) that Sir Jackie Stewart claimed his first ever Grand Prix™ victory at the iconic Italian Grand Prix behind the wheel of the BRM P261 V8, making today’s drive past particularly poignant. This was a significant win, which marked the start of a successful racing career as the young Scot went on to become a three-time FIA Formula One™ Drivers’ World Champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973, winning 27 of his 99 Formula 1®
Grand Prix™ races. Perhaps the most significant contribution Sir Jackie Stewart made was the development of motor racing safety, which has saved the lives of countless drivers.
Shortly after his first Formula 1® win, Rolex forged an esteemed relationship with Sir Jackie Stewart. An emblematic figure of motor racing, his achievements have made him one of the most celebrated Formula 1® drivers of all time and a natural fit with Rolex, given their shared passion for speed and performance. For Rolex, the Official Timepiece and a Global Partner of Formula 1®, sponsoring leading sports series and individuals is not only a vital part of the brand’s tradition, but these
extraordinary partnerships are a perfect reflection of the company’s ethos and values.
Rolex’s history of close ties with motor racing and its key figures reaches back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s. Since then, Rolex has cultivated a privileged relationship not only with three-time Formula One™ Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie
Stewart, but also with record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen. Furthermore, the brand supports key motor racing events: the leading motorsport series, Formula 1®, iconic endurance races, such as 24 Hours of Le Mans and classic car events such as Goodwood Revival.
Arnaud Boetsch, Communication & Image Director of Rolex SA, said: “Sir Jackie Stewart has been a part of the Rolex family since the 1960s so it is a pleasure for Rolex to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first Grand Prix victory with him this weekend. Over the last fifty years, not only has Sir Jackie become a three-time Formula One World Champion, but he has also worked tirelessly to champion the sport on a global scale. Formula One continues to push the boundaries in technology and engineering and similarly Rolex is constantly innovating; its timepieces and constant technological development over the last fifty years are a fine indication of the brand’s unerring commitment to performance and timeless values.”
Sir Jackie Stewart, Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula One™ Drivers’ World Champion, said: “It is quite unbelievable to think that it is fifty years since my first Grand Prix victory. In the fifty years that have passed since that momentous day, Formula 1® has grown and developed in a way that none of us could have imagined; it is without doubt the pinnacle of motorsport, demonstrating technological innovation and precision engineering at every level. It is this ethos and the values of the sport that attracts global brands such as Rolex who help make the sport what it is today.”
