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, to friends from Rio.
• 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, without information on location and date
• An envelope like the Jacky Stewart logo.
• Yellowed paper, medium condition.
• Unique set.

Extracts

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

Unfortunately, I didn't come to Brazil for the Formula 2 category because other commitments made that impossible. I will therefore miss the opportunity to enjoy Brazil's pleasant climate and excellent hospitality.

Jacky Stewart (born 1939) was 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 victories in Formula 1, a category record until 1987 when Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna's biggest rival, surpassed the mark.

A remarkable 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 pilot's entire head and the overalls flame retardants 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 Scot accused Senna of deliberately hitting Alain Prost, in the famous 1990 Japanese GP.

For this reason, the Brazilian swore never to speak to Stewart again, but he went back, apologizing and admitting his mistake. Later, both joined together 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.

A very interesting set for anyone interested in the great Formula 1 drivers.