1999 Driver Profiles by Julie Gates

Team: Stewart

by Julie Gates

The Team: A vast improvement during the second half of the season, qualifying in the top six five times and finishing in the points on seven occasions. Again, reliability proved problematic for the team, seeing mechanical interventions cause five retirements. In particular, hydraulics caused them grief, but an engine and brake failure also cost the team dearly. However, improved handling of the car, in part due to a new electronic differential, allowed them to race harder, finishing consistently in the points. A brilliant strategic race at Luxembourg brought the team's first victory courtesy of Johnny Herbert, with Barrichello finishing third, adding to the occasion. A very strong performance at Malaysia saw the team finish fourth and fifth, and the extra point scored at Japan ensured their fourth place finish ahead of Williams. Clearly working hard, demonstrating grit and determination; winning a race in only their third year is quite an achievement, and a clear indication of intent.

Driver - Rubens Barrichello: Clearly dominant through the first half of the season, the final stages saw him fall behind Johnny Herbert. Being out-qualified and out-raced three times, he failed to deliver the team's first victory, though many claim the Brazilian deserved it. Taking into account his lack of testing over the season's closing stages, he still performed well to pressurise for points finishes. A particularly meteoric race at Luxembourg saw him finish third behind Jarno Trulli, though his qualifying performances deteriorated as the season closed. However, he suffered some bad luck, which accounts for some of his results: engine and brake failures at Austria and Germany respectively saw potential points slip out of his grasp. Nonetheless, he is one of today's brightest stars and looks set for further success at Ferrari.

Driver - Johnny Herbert: An impressive second half for the Englishman, he has improved his performance as the season end approached. Pressurising Barrichello in both qualifying and race trim, he out-performed his highly rated team-mate t the last three Grand Prix. A particularly smart drive at Luxembourg brought Stewart's first Grand Prix, guaranteeing his seat for 2000. Surging to the front of the grid also provided Stewart their dream of beating Williams to fourth in the Constructors' Championship… without his win or lone point from Suzuka, Stewart would have ended fifth. However, during the latter stages of the season, he was testing the new components for the team rather than Barrichello, who was banned to prevent him to passing on secrets to Ferrari next year. Had both drivers been testing and running new components, it is quite possible Barrichello would have given him a harder race for his money. Also suffering mechanical failures, he retired three times in races where he showed promise. Still, no one can take away the finest victory of his career in treacherous weather conditions, and he deserves full marks for effort.

Conclusion: A very impressive year for the team overall. Even though they suffered many mechanical failures, they finished in the points seven times in the last eight races to make sure finished fourth. Working hard on new developments with both chassis and engine, they won their first and only race as Stewart Grand Prix. For a team in only its third year, this is a truly remarkable feat. However, mechanical failures hindered progress and this must be taken into consideration.

Grade: B+