Accepting an honorary professorship at Stirling University, Stewart spoke about the educational opportunities he did not have because of 'word blindness'.

"My own experience of education growing up in Scotland was extremely limited because dyslexia wasn't recognised as an issue in those days," he said.

"I spent most of my time doing metalwork, failed my 11-plus exams twice and left school when I was 15.

"Most people would consider what I have achieved since then as being a good example of what an individual can do on their own - but that's not the way I look at it.

"I yearn for an education and not having one has left me with an enormous weakness which I will never overcome."

Entrepreneurship

Stewart, who was Formula One champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973, and now runs his own Formula One team, also has three honorary doctorates in universities around the world.

His new professorship is in Stirling's Department of Entrepreneurship, which was opened last year.

He will give occasional lectures to students in management courses on leadership and taking risks in business and sport.

Stewart said he did not expect his own team to become competitive or start winning races until 2001.

He said many of the current Formula One drivers were "not as good as they should be."

"Michael Schumacher is the best at the moment by a farmer's mile, but others should be a lot closer to him than they are.