Before he became a three-time World Champion and one of the most influential figures in motorsport, Jackie Stewart began his Formula One journey with British Racing Motors. His time at BRM may have been relatively short, but it was a crucial period - both for his own development and for the team’s competitiveness during the mid-1960s.
Stewart made his Formula One debut with BRM in 1965, joining a team that had already reached the top with Graham Hill just a few years earlier. From the outset, it was clear that Stewart was something special. He combined natural speed with a smooth, controlled driving style that suited the technical demands of BRM’s cars. In only his first season, he finished third in the World Championship, an exceptional achievement for a newcomer.
Driving the BRM P261, Stewart quickly established himself as one of the fastest drivers on the grid. He claimed his first Grand Prix victory at the 1965 Italian Grand Prix, a race that highlighted both his pace and his composure under pressure. It was a significant moment - not just a first win, but a signal that a new leading driver had arrived, and that BRM remained capable of competing at the front.
The following season, in 1966, brought one of the most memorable performances of Stewart’s career while still with BRM. At the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, held in treacherously wet conditions, Stewart delivered a remarkable drive to win by a commanding margin. The race is often remembered not only for his skill in extreme conditions, but also for the dangers drivers faced at the time. Stewart himself was involved in a serious crash during that weekend, an experience that would later shape his campaign to improve safety in Formula One.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Stewart’s time with BRM was also marked by frustration. The team’s cars could be quick, but reliability issues persisted, and the transition to new engine regulations in 1966 proved challenging. As a result, consistent results were difficult to achieve, even with a driver of Stewart’s calibre. It was a familiar theme in BRM’s history - strong potential, sometimes limited by mechanical setbacks.
Even so, Stewart’s impact during his BRM years should not be underestimated. He brought a new level of precision and professionalism, paying close attention to car setup and performance details. These qualities would later define his championship-winning years, but their foundations were already visible during his time with BRM.
His departure from the team at the end of 1967 marked the end of an important chapter. Stewart would go on to achieve even greater success elsewhere, but his early performances with BRM remain a key part of his story. For BRM, having a driver of his talent leading the team during that period reinforced its position among the leading constructors of the era.
In the wider context of BRM’s history, Jackie Stewart represents a bridge between generations. He followed the championship success of Graham Hill and carried the team into a new era of increasingly competitive and professional Formula One. His time at BRM may not have delivered a title, but it helped shape one of the sport’s greatest drivers - and kept BRM firmly in the fight at the front of the grid.