Letters and photograph signed by Jacky Stewart (1970s)

In the 1970s, three-time Formula 1 world champion Jacky Stewart remembers the hospitality and charms of Brazil.

Set of two letters and a photograph signed by Jacky Stewart, for friends from Rio de Janeiro. One page for each document. In English. Letter 1: 21 cm x 29 cm, Switzerland, February 4, 1970 / Letter 2: 18.4 cm x 26 cm, Switzerland, October 11, 1971 / Photograph with dedication: 8.7 cm x 13.9 cm, no information on location and date / An envelope with the Jacky Stewart logo. Yellowed paper, average condition. Single set.

extracts

I don't think I need to tell you that Rio was the highlight of our visit to South America (...)

Unfortunately, I will not come to Brazil for the Formula 2 category because other commitments make it impossible. I will therefore miss the opportunity to enjoy the pleasant climate and excellent hospitality of Brazil.

Jacky Stewart (born in 1939) was a three-time Formula 1 world champion with Matra, in 1969, and with Tyrell, in 1971 and 1973. Considered one of the best drivers in history, he won 27 Formula 1 victories, a category record until 1987 when Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna's biggest rival, surpassed the mark.

A striking fact, after suffering a very serious accident in 1966 and seeing his partner François Cevert die on the track, Jacky Stewart decided to demand more safety for pilots and improve protective equipment: he created the helmet protecting the entire head of the pilot and the overalls anti-flames that saved several pilots in the following decades.

In these letters, Jacky Stewart, at the height of his career, praises Brazil, a country that marked his professional and personal life. In 1997, he founded his team - Stewart - where he trusted the young Rubens Barrichello to drive. Before that, it was the relationship between Ayrton Senna and Jackie Stewart that marked the history of the sport, when the Scotsman accused Senna of purposely crashing into Alain Prost, in the famous Japanese GP of 1990.

For that reason, the Brazilian swore never to speak to Stewart again, but he backtracked, apologizing and admitting his mistake. Both later joined in a campaign to improve safety in Formula 1. Proof of the great respect between the two legends, Stewart was one of the drivers who carried Senna's coffin at his funeral.