Fifty years ago this month, on a rain-lashed afternoon at Fuji, James Hunt became Formula 1 world champion by a single point. Goodwood's 83rd Members' Meeting marked the anniversary in April with "The James Hunt Years", where his son Freddie drove a McLaren M26.
Fast, fearless and outspoken, he later became the voice beside Murray Walker for a generation of British fans. If he's your hero too, browse our Formula 1 collection.
James Hunt Fact File
| Full name | James Simon Wallis Hunt |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 29 August 1947 |
| Place of birth | Belmont, Surrey, England |
| Died | 15 June 1993, Wimbledon, London (aged 45) |
| Discipline | Formula 1 driver |
| Nationality | British |
| Status | Retired from racing (1979); BBC commentator until his death in 1993 |
| Nickname | Hunt the Shunt |
Career History
| Season | Team | Wins | Poles | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Hesketh (March) | 0 | 0 | 14 | 8th |
| 1974 | Hesketh | 0 | 0 | 15 | 8th |
| 1975 | Hesketh | 1 | 0 | 33 | 4th |
| 1976 | McLaren | 6 | 8 | 69 | 1st (Champion) |
| 1977 | McLaren | 3 | 6 | 40 | 5th |
| 1978 | McLaren | 0 | 0 | 8 | 13th |
| 1979 | Wolf | 0 | 0 | 0 | Not classified |
| Total | 92 starts | 10 | 14 | 179 | 1 title |
Note: World Championship Grands Prix only, official points of the time. In 1973 Hesketh ran a March chassis. Sources: Wikipedia, Formula1.com and F1 statistics databases.
Early Years: Hunt the Shunt
Born in Belmont, Surrey, into a stockbroker's family, Hunt came to racing with little money. His first attempt, in a Mini, ended before it began when scrutineers turned the car away. He moved through Formula Ford in the late 1960s and into Formula Three, where a string of spectacular crashes earned him the nickname Hunt the Shunt.
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Breakthrough With Hesketh
The turning point was the flamboyant Lord Hesketh, whose privately funded team gave Hunt his Formula 1 chance in 1973. The team was famous for its party atmosphere, but the results were serious. Hunt finished eighth in his first two seasons, and in 1975 he won the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the only Grand Prix victory Hesketh ever achieved.
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1976: The Title Decided at Fuji
Hunt joined McLaren for 1976 and became Lauda's main rival. He won six Grands Prix that year, including the German race at the Nürburgring, the race in which Lauda suffered his terrible accident. Lauda returned with remarkable courage and the pair arrived at the final round in Japan with Lauda three points ahead.
Torrential rain fell at Fuji on 24 October 1976. Lauda pulled out after two laps, judging the conditions too dangerous, while Hunt pressed on through the spray to finish third. That was enough for 69 points to Lauda's 68 and the world title by one point.
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Later Career and the Commentary Box
Hunt added three more wins in 1977, but McLaren faded in 1978 and a move to Wolf brought little joy. He retired after the 1979 Monaco Grand Prix. He then found a second career at the BBC, partnering Murray Walker from 1980. Walker's excitement against Hunt's dry, blunt verdicts made them a much-loved double act until Hunt's sudden death in June 1993, aged just 45.
Honours
Championships
- Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion: 1976
Grand Prix Wins
- 10 World Championship Grand Prix wins (1975 to 1977)
- 14 pole positions and 23 podium finishes
- 1975 Dutch Grand Prix, Hesketh's only Grand Prix victory
Other Notable Wins
- BRDC International Trophy, Silverstone: 1974
- Race of Champions, Brands Hatch: 1976
Away From the Track
After retiring, Hunt also wrote about the sport as a newspaper columnist. His rivalry with Lauda was dramatised in Ron Howard's 2013 film Rush. His son Freddie has kept the family name on track at historic events such as Goodwood.
FAQs
How old was James Hunt when he died?
James Hunt was 45 when he died on 15 June 1993 in Wimbledon, London.
Where was James Hunt born?
He was born on 29 August 1947 in Belmont, Surrey, England.
How tall was James Hunt?
Hunt was described as tall, but no official height was published, so we haven't quoted one.
What teams did James Hunt drive for?
He drove for Hesketh (1973 to 1975), McLaren (1976 to 1978) and Wolf (1979).
How many races did James Hunt win?
Hunt won 10 World Championship Grands Prix from 92 starts, with 14 pole positions and 179 points.
How did James Hunt win the 1976 championship?
He finished third in a rain-soaked Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji after Niki Lauda withdrew, taking the title by one point, 69 to 68.
Shop the James Hunt Collection
Pick your favourite tribute to the 1976 champion, made to order in the UK.
James Hunt Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
Explore more legends in our Formula 1 collection, or put your own name on the back with our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Niki Lauda Career Story and Ayrton Senna Career Story.
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