“Imagine yourself on the deck of a yacht on rough seas,” is how just one of the Yoda-like lessons begins as the former Formula 1 World Champion sets about conveying how to drive well in Behind The Wheel with Sir Jackie Stewart. You’ll get about five minutes in and wonder, “Why isn’t this film mandatory viewing for everyone?”
His achievements both on and off-track are legendary, but it’s his attention to detail in describing exactly what’s going on is what make this film interesting in its 60-minute entirety. I’m not kidding—it’s as if his Top Gear segment with James May was expanded into a feature-length film.
Beginning with a brief overview of automotive history and what vehicles do at the limit, much of the video is sat beside Stewart in a late-’80s Ford road car as he demonstrates how to drive well. Understeer in a Fox Body Mustang? Sure! Trying to unsettle a Trans-Am car? Definitely.
My favorite bits of advice are “Whether you drive a race car or a road car, everything should be gently done,” and “Always use fingertips while changing gear […] you should never feel a gearchange…”
It makes sense that Stewart is more interested in conveying the joys of driving well—when we spoke to him, he shared that he doesn’t often drive unless it’s “work” in a racing car…or in a Lincoln Town Car, as the World’s Most Overqualified Chauffeur.
Thumbnail image via: rolexmagazine.com
