F1 1976: "Hunt for the Title"

1976 saw reigning Champion Niki Lauda start as the favourite in his Ferrari, as nearest rival Emerson Fittipaldi made the patriotic switch from McLaren to the Brazilian funded Copersucar team. This left a hole at McLaren, filled by the ambitious, British hopeful, James Hunt, to set the scene for a dramatic season of racing.

Tyrrell stole the limelight early on in the season, not for their results, but through the unveiling of their revolutionary six-wheeled P34. Hunt quickly adapted to life at McLaren and, unfazed by Lauda's early dominance, continued to pick up valuable points and podium finishes.

1976 will probably be best remembered for Lauda's horrific accident at the Nurburgring that nearly ended his life and saw him rushed to hospital with major burns. His resilience and dedication to racing saw him make a remarkable recovery, returning six weeks later to ensure a thrilling climax to a season that ended with only one point separating 1st and 2nd place in the championship. Again it was the last eventful race in Japan that decided the title.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• formula
• one
• grand
• prix
• racing
• 1975
• Championship
• Clay
• Regazzoni
• James
• Hunt
• Emerson
• Fittipaldi
• Jackie
• Stewart
• Tyrrell

[MeMeMeMeMeMeMeMeAndU]

The trouble with Jarier is that he's a French wanker, always has been, always will be.

I'm sure that's a sentiment that James Hunt would agree with wholeheartedly.

[3103jazmin]

today 16 years without you, champion, you were the best.

[matycallejero09]

I miss you, you were the best runner, the most beautiful guy and a man who knows live the life. you were a king.claudia

[theboywho1000]

i agree with garthbeatty. this was and still is one of the most exciting f1 seasons, although i wish i could see the race in its entirety, this film was... well... rubbish

[GarthBeatty]

1976 will be a year of sports that will never be forgotten with it's close calls you'll ever see.

[Dietpepsivanilla]

James Hunt. A very smashing bloke. I and millions of other race fans miss him.

[reynard89]

Hunt and Lauda made the 1976 championship one of the best ever. This was when Formula One was still very dangerous, long before all the great circuits were ruined forever.

[Mr911Carrera]

Hunt the shunt a great guy gone way too soon RIP James

[zbguitars]

I was at the U.S. Grand Prix in Watkins Glen and saw James Hunt win that race. I was standing in the pits and actually got spattered with the Champagne I was so close to him. What an exciting time