Hunt vs Lauda: The Showman

In anticipation for the new Formula 1 movie about one of the most fiercest rivalries in the history of sport, BBC showed a phenomenal documentary about the 1976 Formula 1 season. It detailed James Hunt's challenge to the force of Ferrari and also the devastating crash that left Niki Lauda hanging on to life.

Ever since the preview that was shown on Top Gear a week ago, 'Rush' directed by Ron Howard and starring Thor himself Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds) has now come to the mainstream attention of nations everywhere. I can personally say more people who know nothing about Formula 1 have asked me have I seen the Rush trailer than F1 fanatics.

My biggest concern for the film is that it focuses on the personal sides of both men rather than the actual sport, but I am still really excited for the movie. The documentary last night was absolutely sensational. 

It's very easy for someone of my age to read a few pieces on the internet and then say I know everything there is to know about Hunt and Lauda and what they went through. But the truth is I don't think anybody can really say they understand without having ever actually been around at the time. So don't think for one second that I understand everything being said last night because I simply cannot even fathom what happened back in 1976.

Shows like last night help give people like me a lens to look through. From what I gather, both were very special men, who both thought they were better than the other.

Fast, Flamboyant, Showman

James Hunt signed for McLaren in 1976, and the decision was met with great appraisal. Simon Taylor, a journalist at the time and radio commentator described Hunt as "popular and well loved" but thought his chances of winning the title were low, given the immense strength of Ferrari.

Those who knew him closest, saw a complete driver inside. James's sister Sally Jones described him as a "competitive but solitary kind of driver."  

McLaren's team principle Alastair Caldwell stated it was actually Hunt who rang him up about driving for McLaren that year. Imagine that now if Jenson Button or Paul di Resta rang up Ferrari or Red Bull for a drive! 

The general consensus of Hunt was that he loved a party. 'Sex for breakfast' was his start to the day and every after race party went well on until the next day. Despite the party animal, James Hunt was always 100% focused inside the car. Immediately after the chequered flag followed a kiss, cigarette and a dark humoured joke.

His unpredictable personality and wonderful jokes made him an absolute nightmare for sponsors. John Hogan who was an advertisement specialist for motorsport mentioned that "Hunt left a trail of destruction for straight laced sponsors." Despite this, some felt this played to Hunt's advantage. Taylor observed that instead of giving Malboro (McLaren's sponsor at the time) a bad name, he improved their image.


That particular example would be unthinkable in these times but that just shows the amount of pull Hunt had over the public. He was an icon and during times of hardship, he lifted (in particular) the British people's spirit. It's hard not to love a guy who, when asked what winning the British Grand Prix meant to him replied with: "9 points and $20, 000 means a lot dear boy!" It didn't stop when he got on to the podium, asking could the ceremony be paused until he grabbed a cigarette off a willing spectator.

Like many free spirits, the key to unleashing the full potential of the champion that was James Hunt, was to give him no boundaries. Caldwell put it in the simplest of terms: "Let Hunt be Hunt, and the results will follow." The results were hard to argue with. 

I'm glad that after all the miles of words that were spoken between Hunt and Lauda and about Hunt and Lauda, that they still had 100% respect towards each other.

James Hunt was something different and further proof that I was born in the wrong era, my tribute is learning and educating myself about a driver who paved the way for many aspirational racing drivers.

Hunt went on to retire in 79 and then became a commentator for Formula 1. Unfortunately like many of the brightest stars, James Hunt passed away in 1993. He was 45.