One of the world's best-known Formula One drivers, Sir Jackie Stewart, was in Auckland yesterday launching his book Collage, Jackie Stewart's Grand Prix Album.
Last year GQ Sport magazine called him the 'The greatest racing driver who ever lived'.
The three-time world champion amassed 99 Grand Prix starts and won 27.
The Collage is a visual journey of the years he spent racing from Formula Three days in 1964 until he retired from F1 in 1973.
The book also covers CanAm, Le Mans, Indianapolis 500 and two Tasman Series. New Zealand features because Sir Jackie almost lost his competition licence after being booked for driving in a manner "which was or might have been dangerous".
"It's very nice to be back in New Zealand. It's a place I enjoy very much," said Sir Jackie.
"I have happy memories of my time racing in New Zealand, winning the Tasman series and the New Zealand Grand Prix."
The drivers in Sir Jackie's time had to overcome the near impossible. So today's drivers must seem bland.
"No, I don't think so. The animal hasn't changed at all. The technology may have changed but in my day the technology was much more advanced than the days of say [the late] Jim Clark."
F1 legend nearly lost ticket to ride in NZ
Three-time world champion Sir Jackie Stewart won 27 Grand Prix. Photo / Dean Purcell
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