James Hunt is often remembered for his larger-than-life personality that made him a hit both as a Formula 1 driver and, later, as a commentator. He’s remembered for his love of the party scene, for his 1976 World Championship battle with Niki Lauda, and for the tragic circumstances of his death.
But today, on what would have been Hunt’s 77th birthday, we’re looking to remember a different side of James Hunt: the anti-apartheid activist.
The complex story of James Hunt
Born on August 29, 1947, James Simon Wallis Hunt was practically destined to become the kind of character that sticks indelibly in the minds of everyone who met him.
Hunt got his racing start in touring cars, starting behind the wheel of a Mini at Snetterton Circuit. After moving up through Formula Ford and Formula Three, Hunt found himself at something of a dead end career-wise — until Lord Alexander Hekseth purchased a March 731 chassis with the intent to go Formula 1 racing.
Hunt raced sporadically in F1 in 1973, taking an impressive second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix. He took his first win for the team two years later; when Hesketh ran out of funds to continue in the sport, Hunt was well positioned to take advantage of an offer for a McLaren ride.
His first year with McLaren, 1976, was a watershed, and Hunt came out victorious after a season-long battle with Ferrari’s Niki Lauda and after Lauda missed several races due to the horrifying injuries he sustained at the Nurburgring.
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