James Hunt

James Simon Wallis Hunt (born 29th August, 1947 in Belmont, Surrey, United Kingdom, died 15th June, 1993 in Wimbledon, United Kingdom) was a British racing driver famous for his appearances in Formula One.

A style icon in his native Great Britain, Hunt's indulgent lifestyle made him one of the most intriguing characters in Grand Prix racing history.

Early Career

Like many of his contemporaries, Hunt began his motorsport career racing in saloon cars - racing his own Mini Cooper to some moderate success before stepping into single-seaters in the late 1960s.

Formula One

1976-: Brabham

By 1976, Hunt was racing for the Martini-backed Brabham team alongside Italian driver Lella Lombardi. His season was a moderate success, taking points at the opening round of the season.

By virtue of not being at one of the 'big-three' teams in Formula One (Ferrari, McLaren and Lotus), Hunt would often be scrapping with the Ligier of Jacques Laffite for the lower points scoring positions. In fact, Hunt's best result of the season - a second place in France - was behind his French rival in a race where the Ferrari team had withdrawn due to the death of Niki Lauda.

As well as his second place in France, he also took a pair of third places in the Soviet Union and Canada.

In 1977, Brabham initially maintained the Lombardi and Hunt lineup before replacing the Italian with one-time Grand Prix winner from the previous year, Patrick Tambay.

Hunt's season would get off to a moderately decent start, taking a third place in the South African Grand Prix.

Later Life

Hunt would take on a career in broadcasting in later life, commentating on motorsport for the BBC right up until his death in 1993. He died of a heart attack in his Wimbledon home.