F1 world champion Damon Hill's father, Graham once showcased his sense of humor while honoring his rival and three-time world champion, Jackie Stewart, who decided to retire at the end of the 1973 season after huge success. Graham Hill and Stewart were two of the most iconic drivers of the sport in the '60s and defined the era by their accomplishments.
Stewart won his three world championships in 1969, 1971 and 1973, whereas Hill, dubbed 'Mr. Monaco', won in the principality five times and clinched two titles (1962, 1968). In a clip that recently surfaced on Instagram, Graham is seen teasing Stewart by sarcastically thanking him for his retirement from the sport.
"We, I use the royal 'we,' are delighted of course that you're retired and I can't tell you how much we're going to miss you. I just can't tell you, not here anyway."
To this, the 'Flying Scot' whose net worth is $50 million replied, continuing the lighthearted interaction:
"Graham, I only hope that the example that I'm giving in this direction will allow a few more to retire and then I might sneak back in."
Further, Graham Hill asked:
"Now, a couple of years ago I remember you told us that it was your sort of skill and dexterity, not to mention daring, that sort of brought you to the championship in that year. Now is there anything you'd like to add to it this year?"
To this, Jackie Stewart replied:
"It's the same sort of talent that I've been able to bring out again, same old stuff. I seem to remember that it was on the street that year that I gained most. Well, I've been working on the corners and this is one of the reasons that I've retired."
Notably, Graham was also sarcastic while praising his long-time rival and friend after Stewart's first world championship win in 1969.
Damon Hill's father praised his rival and friend Jackie Stewart's skills after his 1969 title
After Jackie Stewart's first world championship win in 1969, Graham Hill quizzed him about his improvements throughout the season.
In a video of their interaction that resurfaced on YouTube, the Brit can be seen praising Stewart as he says:
"Besides your undisputed skill, damn it, what single factor do you think contributed towards your victories this year?"
To this, the newly-crowned world champion replied:
"I think, again, my skill, but this year perhaps more than ever before on the streets." [3:47]
Stewart won six of the 11 races in the 1969 season, including five of the first six, and was only denied by Graham Hill at the Monaco GP when the Scotsman failed to convert his pole position.