Daily Record

EXCLUSIVE

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BY AHMER KHOKHAR reporters@dailyrecor­d.co.uk SIR Jackie Stewart has said he would never consider moving back to Scotland – because he loves his home in Switzerlan­d too much.

Speaking in Melbourne ahead of tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix, the three-time Formula 1 champion said: “I’ve lived in Switzerlan­d since 1968, and I love it there and it’s my home.

“There is no way I would go back to live in Scotland or anywhere else in the UK.”

The racing legend, who was born and raised in Dunbartons­hire, also waded into the debate over Brexit.

Sir Jackie defended Theresa May and said Britain should press ahead with the Prime Minister’s deal. But he isn’t against the idea of a second EU referendum.

He said: “I think Theresa May is being unfairly blamed for the Brexit mess.

“The Conservati­ve Government was elected fair and square – and after a referendum in which a majority of the UK population voted to leave the EU.

“Now, if the people are having second thoughts that’s OK. They can have a second referendum,

but regardless the UK has to make compromise­s to the EU or the mess will never be resolved.

“Theresa May is just trying to do the best she can for the UK.”

Sir Jackie led efforts in the 60s and 70s for greater regulation in Formula 1 at a time of dire safety standards in the sport.

These days, the 79-yearold campaigns to raise cash for dementia research.

He has invested £2million in his Race Against Dementia campaign since his beloved wife, Lady Helen, was diagnosed with the condition.

He believes scientific innovation could lead to a breakthrou­gh – in the same way that Formula 1 technology evolved so quickly.

Speaking two years ago, he said: “My logic is based on something John Lennon said – ‘There are no problems, only solutions’. My mission is to find a solution.”

Sir Jackie has also spoken of how, thanks to his wealth, he is able to have carers on hand for his wife – unlike many families who struggle with the reality of dementia on a daily basis.

The couple met as teen sweetheart­s and have two sons and nine grandkids.

As well as their main residence on the shores of Lake Geneva, they have an estate in Buckingham­shire.

Sir Jackie said: “We’ve had a wonderful life together – really it’s been a fairytale. And we’ve never lost that first connection.”

 ??  ?? DEMENTIA CAMPAIGN Sir Jackie. Left, in F1 car
DEMENTIA CAMPAIGN Sir Jackie. Left, in F1 car

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