Written By Max Gibson
Celebrated in his time for his vivacity and unconventional approach to racing and life, the rise and fall of James Hunt tells an all too familiar story of success and its consequences. As one of racing’s most recognizable figures of the 70′s, Hunt’s colorful presence helped redefine the image of Formula One racing.
At a time when one was considered more noteworthy for their exploits outside of their successful career James Hunt emerged as one of Britain’s most charismatic celebrities. Winning the Formula One World Championship in 1976, Hunt’s star grew as his affinity for fast cars, women and experimentation became recognized in the public as an endearing quality.
1965 marked the year Hunt was introduced to his future career. Attending a motor race for his 18th birthday, he was instantly drawn to the sport, soon after looking for a means to finance his budding passion. Quickly taking to tour racing, he soon graduated to the field of Formula Three, his racing career blossoming in his early 20′s.
Earning the monicker “Hunt the Shunt” for his spectacular ability to walk away from seemingly devastating accidents, James Hunt’s life was something nothing short of extraordinary. The son of a wealthy stock broker, his schooling at Westerleigh School in Hastings provided him with a keen proficiency in the English language. Constantly jovial in his interviews, Hunt became a darling of the British media, his celebrity rising with the success of his career.
Winning his first World Championship race at the 1975 Dutch Grand Prix, James next year marked a turning point in the racers development. Signing on to race under McLaren Racing Limited for the ’76 season, Hunt was infamous for his unorthodox manner of presentation. Rarely wearing shoes during his media events, Hunt donned t-shirts and jeans amongst magnates and moguls in suits and ties.
Renowned for his eccentric lifestyle, Hunt’s desire to experience the extraordinary made his life off the track as noteworthy as his achievements on it. Known to dine at expensive Mayfair restaurants with his German Shepard, Oscar, Hunt was known as the life of every party, frequenting popular nightclubs the evening before a race. Also notorious for his pursuit of beautiful women, Hunt was recognized as an international playboy. As one biographer claims, he may have exceeded over 5,000 sexual conquests in his lifetime.
Somehow able to show up and perform on the day of the race, Hunt’s ability to rise to the occasion became a mark of the lively sportsman. Equally attracted to the lure of alcohol, James also embraced cocaine and marijuana as his drugs of choice. Outdoing others in his range of talents, Hunt was also musically inclined, taking up the trumpet and piano, while furthering his athletic prowess in tennis and squash.
Although the excitement of life and racing made Hunt a charismatic figure, the constant threat of death was never far away. Flirting with the chance of devastation at every turn, the death of friend and colleague Ronnie Peterson left a profound effect on his life and career. Attempting to rescue him from his burning car, Hunt suffered one of the greatest losses of his career as Peterson died a day later. His enthusiasm for racing never the same. 
Retiring from the sport of racing in 1980, Hunt took on a successful career in sports commentating. His candid comments earning him a new fan base amongst the viewing public.
Although celebrated as a hero throughout much of his career, the rise of James Hunt was met with an equally destructive case of depression and alcoholism following his time racing. Battling financial setbacks throughout the 80′s, Hunt neared inner sanctity when he found a wife, and had two sons, embracing a cleaner life free of his past vices. Although focused on creating a new life for himself, Hunt died of a heart attack unexpectedly in 1993 at the age of 45. His longtime marriage to tobacco overpowering his marriage to his wife Helen.
More than a sports star, it seems as though James Hunt was a figure of popular culture. Embracing a life led by the thrill of the experience, Hunt’s life echoes other playboys of his era like Porfirio Rubirosa and George Best. Developing a trusting relationship with journalists and media, the marriage between Hunt, his advertisers and the media catapulted the racer to the upper echelons of celebrity culture. A far cry from the tumultuous relationship between celebrities and tabloids today, the star of James Hunt characterized the union of journalist and star that helped promote the growing influence of pop culture in the 70′s. Championing the thrill of the chase in all his endeavors, Hunt’s career characterizes the power of unyielding ambition. Always his own man, his magic may have been founded in his ability to celebrate every moment of his spectacular life, aptly defining the legacy of an international playboy.
original graphic 2008