Manama: Sir Jackie Stewart, Formula 1 legend and three-time World Champion, participated in a tribute lap at Bahrain International Circuit during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025, in support of the Race Against Dementia charity, which he founded in 2016.
According to Bahrain News Agency, his participation marked the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 and the 60th anniversary of his debut in the championship. Sir Jackie drove his historic 1973 Tyrrell, the car with which he won the World Championship, for a tribute lap at 3:40 p.m., wearing a unique helmet bearing the signatures of the 17 living World Champions.
The initiative followed a charity event organised by the British Embassy in Bahrain, titled the 'One Lap Challenge', which saw over 1,500 participants take part in a symbolic lap of the circuit, raising over $50,000 for the charity. The donation cheque was handed over ahead of Sir Jackie's lap, in the presence of His Excellency Alastair Long, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit.
The Race Against Dementia foundation aims to accelerate scientific research into dementia through high-performance, Formula 1-inspired programmes that support researchers working in the field.
Mark Stewart, Chair of the foundation, expressed his pride in the initiative, stating that the race is 'not just for the past, but for the future', and called for continued support to help find a cure for the disease.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, praised Sir Jackie's participation, saying, 'We are proud to see this legend return to the track here in Bahrain, in a symbolic moment celebrating our sport's history and supporting a noble humanitarian cause'.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, affirmed full support for the Race Against Dementia initiative, describing Sir Jackie's work as 'inspirational' and highlighting the positive impact motorsport can have beyond the track.