James Hunt lived his life at 100mph and was locked into a stunning battle with Niki Lauda in the 1970s, but things took a turn in later life

View 4 Images

James Hunt was a superstar of F1(Image: Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)

It’s the off-season for Formula One after British driver Lando Norris claimed a dramatic world championship during the final grand prix of the season in Abu Dhabi last month. Fans will now have to wait until the beginning of March before action gets back underway.

One way fans can get their F1 fix in the off-season, however, is by watching the Hollywood blockbuster ‘Rush’. It’s a tale about the life of British racing legend James Hunt and his fearsome battle with Niki Lauda, played by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl. Hunt passed away over 30 years ago but his legacy still breathes life in the 2020s.

A well known figure in the fast-paced world of Formula One, Hunt drove in a chaotic manner and even earned the nickname ‘Hunt The Shunt’ for his efforts on the track. As well as being a top class operator, Hunt was one of the most charismatic sportspeople ever and has a truly remarkable story. His parents even refused to support his F1 dream. Here’s everything you need to know about Hunt.

Big money backer

It’s unlikely Hunt would have succeeded in the racing world without the help of Lord Alexander Hesketh, who was a massive financial backer of the Englishman.

He had no clue about motorsport but spent a huge amount of money on entertainment, so decided to form a racing team and make Hunt the main man. The team, operating in the lower Formula Three and Two ranks, were perceived as a party-obsessed outfit who “consumed as much champagne as fuel and had more beautiful women than mechanics.”

Despite this, Hesketh Racing arrived on the F1 scene in 1974 and despite being looked down upon by their peers, the judgement turned reluctantly respectful when Hunt defeated Lauda in the Dutch Grand Prix of 1975.

Battle with Niki Lauda

View 4 Images

Hunt died back in 1993(Image: Paul-Henri Cahier)

Hunt’s career peaked in the mid-1970s when he moved to McLaren after Emerson Fittipaldi unexpectedly left. His closest friend among the drivers was Niki Lauda, but that friendship would soon turn tense as the pair became engaged in a thrilling battle for the title in 1976.

Lauda was well in front until he was almost been killed in a fiery accident in Nurburgring, Germany. Hunt would win that race and the season would come down to the final race, with Lauda making a stunning recovery to appear in the Japan showdown.

However, conditions were absolutely soaking in the Far East, with Lauda parking his Ferrari after only a few laps. Hunt would finish third and become world champion.

Death and legacy

View 4 Images

James Hunt married Sarah Lomax in 1983(Image: Daily Mirror)

On June 15, 1993, Hunt proposed to new girlfriend Helen, who was half his age – she accepted. A few hours later, Hunt suffered a huge heart attack and died at the age of 45. Hunt is survived by sons Tom and Freddie who he had with former wife Sarah. Freddie remains hugely invested in motorsport and lives a quieter life than his father on a small farm.

Former rival Lauda said: “For me, James was the most charismatic personality who’s ever been in Formula 1.”

Bankruptcy

View 4 Images

James Hunt even has a film made about him(Image: Photo by Tony Duffy/Getty Images)

Before he died, Hunt was reportedly in massive financial trouble, which was down to some poor investments. The F1 legend was caught up in Lloyd’s of London’s financial losses in the late 1980s and it’s said he lost £180,000.

Towards the end of his life, Hunt would often be seen driving around London in an old van or on his bike. Due to these financial troubles and rumoured bankruptcy, according to those close to him, Hunt was considering a return to F1 in 1989, reportedly testing a Williams car ahead of a return.