Sir Jackie Stewart has been hospitalized in London after falling ill on a flight from Geneva.The three-time World Champion is understood to have suffered from chest pains during the journey, and was met by paramedics at Heathrow Airport. Stewart, 71, was then transferred to the hospital. His son Paul told Britain's BBC that precautionary checks are now under way.
"He did pass out and as a precaution he was taken to hospital to be looked at," said Paul Stewart. "I've spoken to him in the hospital. He seemed absolutely fine but obviously something happened and we need to establish what, so 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 is believed to have been on his way back from the Geneva auto show when he fell ill. A statement from Stewart's office said: "I can confirm Sir Jackie is in Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge after a physical setback on a flight from Geneva to London early this afternoon. He is fully conscious and having precautionary medical checks but we are expecting a full recovery."
He won the 1969, 1971 and 1973 Formula 1 World Championship, and was also a tireless campaigner on safety issues. Stewart has remained involved in F1 as an ambassador for various sponsors, and also ran his own team from 1997 to '99.