Quote:
Originally Posted by Perfectlap
F1 drivers of his era had a near 70% of being dead within 5 years. That's not the sort of terrain that a person with low self-esteem is going to cut it in.
If you found a racing driver with that level of super human talent, in an era when GP cars weren't doing any of the driving for you whatsoever, against the best and bravest drivers in the world, on tracks that had laughable safety standards, when Bandini and Williamson were both roasted alive during a race, a driver that could stand going to 10 funerals per season during that five year era.... and this person was also a nice guy with a regular sized ego, then I would say your lofty expectations were met.
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There is no doubt that F1 drivers have large egos and plenty of self-esteem. It's necessary for them to do what they do. Stewart's ego was so large that it spilled out into virtually every conversation and interview at the time. And that put a lot of people off.
There were PLENTY of World Champions and Grand Prix winners of that era, also with tremendous egos, who kept them in check and showed a great sense of humility. Champions like Clark, Brabham, Hill, Surtees, and Fittipaldi were humble in their victories. Denny Hulme was especially humble.
I think Jackie got caught up with the growing attention F1 racing was getting, the jet set people it attracted, and the glamour that went with it. And he played it to the limit, believe me.
None of this is to detract what a bloody quick driver and worthy Champion he was. He seems to have mellowed somewhat since his retirement, as most drivers do after their racing career ends.
TO
p.s. Just sayin'.......... 