James Hunt

British Formula 1 racing driver who won the 1976 World Drivers Championship in a dramatic season-long battle with Niki Lauda, known for his flamboyant lifestyle

James Simon Wallis Hunt was born on 29 August 1947 in Belmont, Surrey, England, the second of six children of Wallis Hunt, a stockbroker, and developed a reputation as one of the most flamboyant and charismatic drivers the sport has produced, renowned for a playboy lifestyle that stood in stark contrast to the more disciplined approach of his rivals. Hunt made his Formula One debut with the privately funded Hesketh Racing team in 1973, and moved to McLaren in 1976, setting up a legendary championship battle with Ferrari's Niki Lauda that defined the sport's most dramatic season. After Lauda suffered a near-fatal, fiery crash at the Nürburgring midway through the year, Hunt capitalised on his rival's forced absence before Lauda's astonishingly swift return set up a tense title fight decided at the rain-soaked season finale in Japan, where Hunt clinched the championship by a single point. Hunt retired from driving in 1979 and transitioned into broadcasting, becoming one of the BBC's most popular and outspoken Formula One commentators, forming a celebrated double act with co-commentator Murray Walker that entertained British audiences for over a decade. Hunt died suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Wimbledon on 15 June 1993, at just 45 years old. His rivalry with Lauda during the 1976 season was later dramatised in the 2013 film "Rush," reintroducing his story to a new generation of motorsport fans.

Aggressive, fearless racer with natural talent and spectacular overtaking ability

Charismatic British F1 champion known for his fearless driving and playboy lifestyle

• F1 World Champion 1976
• Race wins 10