Hunt vs Lauda: The Genius

For your consideration, James Hunt.

As little as I know about James Hunt, I know an equal amount about Niki Lauda. Based on my own observations on both drivers, two words come to mind when comparing Niki Lauda to Hunt: polar opposite. When attempting to describe Niki Lauda on his own: genius.

Clash of the titans somehow doesn't even begin to sum up just how big these men really were for Formula 1. The Ron Howard movie 'Rush' is well anticipated among both the Formula 1 community and non motorsport fans. Top class director as well as two top class actors (Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl) well guarantee that the sport well benefit hugely from letting the public gaze into one of the most intensely fought battles. 

Fast, Consistent and Well Prepared.

Unlike Hunt, Niki Lauda was already a proven world champion. Considered to be the best in the era, his Ferrari was considered untouchable. Such character was reinforced from being such a popular world champion in 1975. Ferrari team principle Daniele Audetto summed him up as an intelligent being in that he was "fast and consistent" which came from being well prepared for every race and every presentable scenario. 

In every meaning of the word, Niki Lauda was described as a complete driver. Audetto noted that for every Grand Prix, Lauda would stay late, well after every driver and managers went home in order to make sure the mechanics were doing their jobs properly. He is described as "a perfectionist."

Being the complete opposite of Hunt didn't stop on track. While Hunt was a playa and a good looking fellow, Lauda was quiet and wasn't gifted in the looks department. James Hunt often called him 'Rat' to his face because that's what he looked like, but this was well humoured and part of the relationship between the two. 

Lauda's wife Marlene meant a lot to him. This showed a side to Formula 1 and Niki Lauda that I had never seen or known before. Despite the fact they have been divorced for some time, she had always been a major part of his life. 

Ferrari in the 70s was not a democracy. One man ruled with an iron fist. It was the man who had his name on the side of the car.

You don't even need to know about Formula 1 to know how ruthless Enzo Ferrari really was. He just was not a nice man. Brilliant man, absolute marvel but not nice. He only wanted his team to win, and therefore only ever favoured winners. Lauda was one of the few who Enzo called 'his favourite.' Lauda was able to block out the weight of the ego from the boss and transferred that energy into a winning Formula. That in itself sounds like a miracle from the outside looking in.

Of course, you can't talk about Niki Lauda and not mention the tradgey of what occurred at the Nurburgring. Despite being the fastest man during that point of the season, Lauda attempted to get the German GP cancelled through safety concerns. It was not be and the race was given the go ahead.

Against the track conditions, Lauda swapped wets for slicks and just before Bergwerk, Lauda lost control and hit the barriers and burst into flames. In the ensuing 400 degree Celsius madness another car collided with him. Moments later many drivers stopped to get him out but damage had been done. Severe burns to his face and head plus toxic gas inhalation meant Niki Lauda was left hanging on for his life.

Fortunately God had spared Niki, his willpower exceeded the norm and he made a remarkable recovery, albeit with permanent scarring, a missing ear and lung injuries. If the man didn't have respect at the time, he sure as hell got it after. A sensational human being had been to hell and back, and he still just wanted to race.

Two races later, Lauda demanded to race at Monza. Ferrari didn't want to rush him back, but there was nothing stopping him. Lauda found his rehabilitation in the form of driving his Ferrari at the home of Ferrari, where he was granted a hero's welcome. 

Despite the Hollywood story, Lauda failed to beat Hunt to the title after retiring from the final race of the season due to his own personal safety concerns.

Niki Lauda is the living embodiment of a fighter. He refused to stay down and because of it, he went on to becoming the best there was for his generation.

His 1976 campaign was unsuccessful, but the following season saw him crowned champion again. After a brief retirement spell, he joined McLaren to go on to become champion again in 1984. Two years later would see his final goodbyes.

His presence in modern day Formula 1 is bigger than ever. in 2012 it was announced he would become the non-executive Chairman of Mercedes AMG F1 team, and was involved in focal negotiations to bring Lewis Hamilton to the team.

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.

Preview: German Grand Prix 2013

Is there a grander and more gruesome track in Europe other than the Nurburgring? No... And therefore, it's the most difficult track in the world. And the Formula 1 drivers are only allowed to do the easy part of the track because no one would let real racing drivers (and Sebastian Vettel) loose on the Nordschleife!

I'm not even gutted that we don't have this circuit every year because the Hockenheimring is just as fantastic, but there is a sense of magic around this particular track.

Pirelli will not only be bringing the Medium and Soft compounds this weekend, they are also bringing restructured kevlar rear tyres after incredible failures at last week's British Grand Prix. At some point, Paul Hembery is going to have to admit that when driver safety comes into question, he's actually going to research how to build a half decent tyre.



Despite being a technically demanding 16 turn track, both tyre and brake wear is low. Downforce is often at it's highest, but the new tyres seem to be coping okay.

I am very well aware brand new tyres are going to disadvantage Lotus and play straight into Red Bull's hands, but I don't want something like Massa's 09 injury occurring to any driver. I defy any man or woman to think differently.

Not only are we back in Germany, I also got treated to the sight of Michael Schumacher this weekend! I miss him lots but his old Mercedes team are doing quite well in terms of getting their tyre management during the race under control. Lewis Hamilton's incident was in the fate of God, no one was going to stop him at Silverstone. If he isn't a good shout for pole, he's a race winning contender.

One way of fixing the tyre issue.

As is his team mate, Nico Rosberg. I don't want to jump on any bandwagons, but he is fairly close to becoming full circle. If he could just involve himself in a championship fight, we may see a real hero. Interesting fact, he wants to complete his 'home hat trick.' This is the three Grand Prix's where he has some sort of base. Monaco is where he grew up and lives, Silverstone is a few miles from Mercedes's base so he wants to win the German Grand Prix as he himself is a Native (minus the whole not living there thing).

Vettel can be considered favourite for most races, but never Germany. He normally flops at his home Grand Prix or in last year's case, gets himself demoted following illegal manoeuvre's. But just like in Canada, ducks can be broken. You would be foolish to count him out. 

Just like compatriot Adrian Sutil, I've never been too fond of the man and I'm still not, but the racing driver surely has given me some food for thought. In the wake be being shown up by Force India team mate Paul di Resta, Sutil has stepped up and has produced some wonderful results. I wouldn't count out di Resta too soon though, I think a podium is looming.

Fernando Alonso's main objective this weekend will be too finish ahead of Vettel. Even though it is not my favourite way of fighting a championship, it's the best way to play Vettel at his own game. With Kimi Raikkonen still trying to find some competitive race pace, and the fact Germany doesn't sit well for Kimi, this is Alonso's chance to pull away and gain at the same time.

It's a race that will separate the men from the boy's, let's just pray fate stays the hell away and let the professionals do what they do best: RACE.

Webber Leaves More Than An Empty Seat

27th June 2013, Mark Webber confirmed what most already knew, that he would be leaving Red Bull at the end of the season. What we didn't know was that it would be forever when he announced he would be joining Porsche's new LMP1 programme and will compete in a full WEC season.

I'm gutted to hear about it. He is a true talent and Red Bull have lost possibly the brightest personality on the grid.

Irrespective of talent, Webber was F1's last true gentleman. He conducted himself well in the face of adversity, and always gave his 110% even when he was treated poorly.


His smile will be missed, his banter will be missed, his Grosjean jibes will be missed, his good looks will be missed, there is absolutely nothing negative anybody can say about this driver, other than that he should have had a world championship, but was robbed by those who were supposed to protect him.

Glory awaits him with Porsche, that much is certain and like Robert Kubica in WRC, I will follow every single move this man makes.

Where It Leaves Red Bull

As I discussed over at Let's Talk F1, the man to replace Webber will be a difficult process considering the eclectic options.

But Red Bull could find themselves in a bigger mess now than what they already have created.






Mark Webber was undeniably more liked than Sebastian Vettel. This isn't even a personal statement it is fact. Take Silverstone for example, when Vettel retired, the crowd roared, when Webber came second the crowd roared louder. Even in Canada when Vettel won, the crowd there booed him. How do you combat that?

Will any young driver want to join Red Bull? Strange statement but think about it, you know you're going to be oppressed, you've seen the damage Vettel does to team mate's careers, if he's not willing to be a team player why would you join the team?

The attraction of a winning team like Red Bull is exciting, but the better option could be to stay put until another big team opens their doors.

Raikkonen & Vettel are good friends, but the pair could be volatile together.

Big shoes to fill doesn't even come close to how important it is to pick the right guy. Sure a big name like Kimi Raikkonen is attractive, and he would get along with Vettel on a personal level.

However there is absolutely no way Raikkonen would put up with the nonsense that Webber did. The implosion within the team would be cataclysmic and counter productive.

If not Raikkonen then who else? He is the only one who can bring mass quantities of consistency to the table, not to mention experience or skills. 

If they employ a rookie yes the 2nd driver role is filled but out goes everything Mark stood for!

Red Bull have left themselves a ridiculously hard task, but they need to learn from their mistakes.

One of the reasons why the Vettel-Webber relationship was dangerous was because Webber never once signed up for the 2nd driver role, it was thrust unfairly upon him. The next driver if he is young needs to be made fully aware of where he stands in the team. "You are either playing support, or you're not playing at all." 

What the driver needs to say to himself is: "yes I'm here as 2nd driver, but look what I can do." If he is good enough, he will wait until a chance pops up. Then it's up to his inner champion to clinch the golden opportunity. Who will it be? Let me know in the comments.