Formula 1 has grown in popularity only in the past few years. Safe to say, the stock of the sport has risen meteorically since the advent of Netflix’s Drive to Survive series and the sport’s foray into the American markets. That being said, F1 has been around for many, many years. And ever since it’s inception in 1950, it’s seen many great personalities and drivers grace the storied paddock. One of them is 3x champion, Sir Jackie Stewart. And during the Miami GP weekend, he gambled on a very exquisite piece of F1 history to get to Roger Federer.

20x Grand Slam winner, Roger Federer has a high stock in the sport world. And he was in attendance at the Miami International Autodrome on race day. Naturally, during Martin Brundle’s famous Grid Walk segment during the build-up to the race, the Brit wanted a piece of Federer. But getting to him wasn’t as easy as you’d think.

Jackie Stewart risked his F1 championship legacy to catch Roger Federer

After being dismayed by the bodyguards blocking his path, Brundle had given up. However, with Sir Jackie Stewart around, you needn’t worry! The 83-year-old took it upon himself to fight the bodyguards off and secure a sound byte for Brundle. But in this scuffle, Stewart had a pretty special accessory on his person which could’ve been damaged in the fiasco.

In a video released on Instagram, Stewart divulged, “It’s a Rolex. It was the first Rolex that Rolex gave to me as a present when I won the World Championship the first time. So, it’s a King Midas. And there are a very few of them around. And this is the first time I’ve worn it in a long time!”

The watch is currently worth around $35,000.

Read More: Despite Getting 18 Race Wins, Max Verstappen Complains About the Pertinent Weakness of Current F1 Cars: “Makes Things Difficult”

While this was unfolding, fans watching at home were left with their jaws dropped at the persistence and grit of Stewart.

How Jackie Stewart overcame Roger Federer’s entourage

He may be 83 years old, but Sir Jackie Stewart, at heart, is still as young as he was when he was battling it out for glory in Formula 1. Needless to say, when the matter came to battling Roger Federer’s security, he didn’t bat an eye!

According to Express UK, “Security stepped in to prevent Stewart from going up to Federer, but the 83-year-old was persistent. “Jackie don’t get yourself in trouble,” Brundle added. “I’ve only got 30 seconds anyway, 20 seconds… 15. We’re out of time unfortunately.” 

“But just as Brundle said he had no time remaining, Stewart succeeded in bringing Federer over. It seems Brundle was given a little more time to get some questions in with Federer after Stewart’s hard work.”

Did Sir Jackie Stewart’s determination and persistence inspire you, too?