James Hunt: The Final Playboy Racer Who Adored Cars, Trophies, and Women

In today’s Formula 1, drivers have to be cautious with their words, sometimes facing disciplinary actions for missteps. Just ask Max Verstappen. In stark contrast, the world of motorsport was very different during the era of James Hunt, the charismatic leader of a generation of rebels. Here’s a closer look at the life of the last true Playboy racer in Formula 1.

James Hunt: The Charismatic Racer

James Hunt had the striking appearance of a young God and spoke impeccable English, yet he was the quintessential wild card. He indulged in a lifestyle heavy with alcohol, drugs, and women, constantly grappling with fears of fatal accidents. Hunt reached the pinnacle of success as a world champion, but ultimately, his fame led to his downfall. He passed away in 1993.

Considered the last playboy racer, Hunt wasn’t alone in his escapades; Eddie Irvine and Kimi Räikkönen also had their moments of fame, but none approached the audacious public persona that Hunt embodied. Times have certa.comy changed.

Hunt and the Hedonistic Era of Racing

Hunt famously donned a badge on his racing suit stating: ‘Sex: Breakfast of Champions,’ which he took seriously. Whether on the track or even in the back of an ambulance, his motto was lived to the fullest. As he once quipped, “I love cars, trophies, and women, but cars are too big and trophies too cold to take to bed, so there’s .comy one thing left.”

His privileged upbringing left his parents concerned about his future until one day in the mid-1960s when he boldly declared, “Mom, Dad, you don’t have to worry about me anymore. I’m going to be a race car driver and a world champion.” And that was during a deadly era in motorsport where many drivers lost their lives on the circuit.

Hunt’s career began when he purchased a Formula Ford in 1968, crashing spectacularly into a lake and narrowly escaping drowning due to a lack of seat belts. However, he soon emerged victorious in a race, eventually securing a sponsor and making strides through Formula 3. Despite a reputation for crashes and a penchant for brawling, he earned the nickname “Hunt the Shunt” from the British press.

A Turnaround with Hesketh Racing

James found his footing with Lord Alexander Fermor-Hesketh, who started a racing team out of boredom and a desire for weekend thrills. Hunt made his Formula 1 debut for Hesketh at Monaco and quickly became a crowd favorite, thanks to his flamboyant lifestyle and extraordinary racing skills. Despite early misadventures, Hunt proved his mettle by finishing remarkably in the 1973 and 1974 seasons, leading to the infamous Hesketh 308 car. Yet, his nerves always got the better of him, leading to a habit of throwing up before races.

By 1974, Hunt finally secured his first Grand Prix victory in Zandvoort, amidst rain and chaos on the track. It was a breakthrough that brought him notoriety but did little to stabilize the Hesketh team financially. As the team dwindled, Hunt’s next opportunity arose when Emerson Fittipaldi’s departure opened a seat for him at the legendary McLaren team.

His journey through the sport became increasingly tumultuous amid a media frenzy surrounding his marriage and subsequent divorce from Suzy Miller, which further dominated headlines than his races. The competitive spirit of Hunt was evident, but it often took a backseat to his off-track antics, making him a complex figure within the realm of motorsport.

Hunt’s story is filled with highs and lows, chronicling the exhilarating yet perilous life of a race car driver in an era that celebrated rebellion and flamboyance. His legacy paved the way for those who came after, encapsulating the thrill of one of motorsport’s most electrifying eras.