James Hunt's defining moments
Few have captured Formula 1’s imagination more than one of McLaren’s favourite sons
The 1970s marked a thrilling era of transformation in Formula 1. The generation of gentleman racers, running cars from trailers, gave way to increased safety, glamorous sponsors, and a surge in television coverage.
These three factors helped increase the sport’s popularity, turning star drivers into national heroes overnight, none more so than 1976 Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt.
James started his route into F1 at the late age of 18, racing a Mini Cooper in club races before rising through the junior ranks to secure a place on the Grand Prix grid in 1973.
Often described as F1’s ultimate maverick, James was unorthodox in many ways, and this endeared him to fans and earned him the status of a national hero. From his no-holds-barred driving style to his flamboyant personality and unusual pre-race preparations, which included vomiting into a bucket before climbing into the car due to nerves.
James’ three-year stint at McLaren left an indelible mark on our history, and we’ve picked out the key moments that were the making of ‘Hunt the Shunt’.
1. ‘We want Hunt, we want Hunt’
1976 British Grand Prix
Following a crucial victory at Paul Ricard, James arrived at a sweltering Brands Hatch buoyed by his success and hopeful of cutting the gap to Niki. But James’ race nearly ended before it began after he was caught up in a Turn 1 tangle involving Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni, which damaged his suspension.
Despite bringing the car back to the pits, James was told he couldn’t restart as he was deemed to have not completed a whole lap. Enraged, the crowd began chanting ‘We want Hunt’, in an attempt to try and reverse the stewards’ decision.
Eventually, the crowd got their wish. James was allowed to restart and rewarded the fans with a home victory, later described by then-McLaren Team Manager Alastair Campbell as James’ best in F1.
2. Rage turns to victory
1976 Canadian Grand Prix
James needed a good result in Canada to stop Niki from extending his lead in the title race. But his weekend didn’t get off to a good start as he was informed ahead of the race that his British Grand Prix win – referenced above – was to be rescinded.
Enraged by this disqualification and fresh from an alcohol-fuelled night out, James made a sluggish start from pole before quickly regaining his composure. By Lap 9, he’d found his groove and retaken the lead from Ronnie Peterson, showcasing that a hangover was no barrier to success.
He went on to secure a crucial victory and reduced the gap between him and Niki from 17 to eight points, which was cut down to three one week later by another victory.
3. The rebellious national hero
1976 British Grand Prix
Never one to beat around the bush, James was quick-witted during interviews, typically accompanied by a cigarette or two. One example of his razor-sharp wit came at Brands Hatch in 1976, where he politely declined Murray Walker’s request for an interview during a Red Flag, saying: “There's a race going on here, dear boy.” James was never a fan of media requests, but he was nothing if not a gentleman.
Not that he enjoyed dressing like one, given that he refused to sign a clause in his McLaren contract that would have forced him to wear a suit and tie to any sponsor functions, instead preferring to dress in a T-shirt and jeans. Shoes were also optional for James. There were many sides to him, from his love of animals to his musical talents. James specialised in the trumpet and performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
And in typical James Hunt fashion, it’s said that following his passing at the age of 45, family and friends found £5,000 set aside for the ultimate send-off. “It is James’ wish that you get p****d”, the invitation simple asked.
4. Reaching the top of the mountain
1976 Japanese Grand Prix
The Mount Fuji-backdropped 1976 Japanese Grand Prix played host to an all-or-nothing season finale for James, but with the race being held in dreadful conditions, there were safety concern among the drivers.
When the race did start, James was at his fearless best, having rid himself of any pre-race nerves via his usual trick of vomiting pre-race. He pulled off a splendid launch from second to beat polesitter Mario Andretti into the lead, giving him the luxury of a clear track as his rivals wrestled with a wall of spray. Niki withdrew from the race on safety grounds, ensuring James - who was leading comfortably - would clinch the title if he finished fourth or above. However, two punctures forced James to pit and dropped him to fifth with five laps to go, putting his title in jeopardy.
With the laps running out, James drove like a man possessed, and against all odds, he passed Alan Jones for third, dramatically securing his maiden World Championship.
5. Home glory at last
1977 British Grand Prix
Britain was rife with Hunt-mania when the F1 circus arrived at Silverstone for the British GP, a critical race for James’ title defence.
The new McLaren M26 had shown some promise, but James was 20 points down on championship leader Niki and was yet to win. On home ground, however, the passionate Englishman was able to coax out his car’s true potential as he qualified on pole.
James struggled off the line with clutch issues and fell to fourth, but as he was so often able to do, he produced a valiant comeback. Still desperate to achieve a famous home victory after his ’76 disqualification, James showed an uncharacteristic calmness to bide his time, rather than attempting to rush past those in front. James eventually took the lead on Lap 50 and never looked back, holding to win on home soil at last, in front of a jubilant British crowd.
6. The final victory
1977 Japanese Grand Prix
Three months after his Silverstone heroics, James returned to the site of his finest hour, hoping to end a tricky season blighted by retirements with a flourish.
With Niki departing Ferrari having already secured his second world title, the fight for victory was between Andretti and James, the pair locking out the front row. Andretti made a wretched start, and James took an unassailable lead. Often at his best when scything through the pack, this was one of James’ most dominant and controlled performances as he took the lead at the start and led to the flag.
No one knew it at the time, but this victory in Fuji would be the final win of his career. James retired from driving midway through 1979, but he wasn't out of the F1 paddock for long. In 1980, he partnered with Murray Walker in the BBC commentary box, forming an entertaining duo that informed and humoured views equally.