Stewart 'seems fine' after health scare, says son

Jackie Stewart's son, Paul, has today calmed fears surrounding the health of motor racing legend after complaining of chest pains on a London-bound flight.

Paul told BBC Sport that his father had passed out and as a precaution had been taken to hospital.

He said: “I’ve just spoken to him in hospital. He seemed absolutely fine but obviously something happened and we need to establish what, but I’m on my way to see him right now.

“I should think he’ll just be checked over and hopefully it will be nothing more sinister than that.”

Stewart was Formula 1 world champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973, and has won 27 Grands Prix.

A Hillingdon Hospital spokeswoman said: “Sir Jackie Stewart was taken unwell on a flight to Heathrow and as a precaution was taken to Hillingdon Hospital.

“At the moment he is undergoing check-ups and his condition is stable.”

His private secretary, Oliver Anderson, said that the former racing champion had suffered “a physical setback” on the flight.

Anderson explained: “He is fully conscious and having precautionary medical checks (at Hillingdon). We are expecting a full recovery.”