Video: Jackie’s last race

September 23rd marked the 40th anniversary of the 1973 Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park, the last time racing legend Jackie Stewart competed in Formula 1.

Jackie Stewart had learned the hard way of Formula 1s lacklustre safety provisions, and theres no doubt that the experience of having been left stranded, injured and soaked in fuel in the wreckage of his car at Spa in ’66 remained with him even several years later. His experiences had contributed to the decision that 1973 would be his last year of competition, however the final straw came one race earlier than expected when Stewart’s team mate and close friend Francois Cevert lost his life during practice at Watkins Glen.

Of course history would see Jackie withdraw from the American GP in the wake of the accident, writing the Canadian GP at Mosport Park into the history books as his last official race. Stewart placed 5th at Mosport, and carried enough points to win the overall 1973 drivers championship despite having opted out of the final round.

Mosport ’73 marked his 99th Grand Prix.

Image credit: Motorsport Magazine