The Thrilling Story Of A Formula One Rivalry That Inspired A Hollywood Movie
The Rivalry That Wound Up On The Silver Screen
In the decades-long history of Formula One, one season was so intense it ended up on a Hollywood script.
Chris Hemsworth delivered an outstanding performance in what's considered one of the greatest sports movies ever, and the real story is even more dramatic than the film.
The 1976 Championship Season Was More Than Ordinary
We've celebrated many F1 seasons since 1950, but 1976 stands out as a star. That year saw a hard-fought battle between two characters who had remarkable courage: Niki Lauda and James Hunt.
The Formula One Dreams Of A Passionate Austrian
In 1971, a young Austrian named Niki Lauda entered a bank, hoping to secure a loan to save his fledgling racing career. Unfortunately, his grandfather, who hated racing, used his influence to have the proposal thrown out. Yet, Lauda didn't give up.
He Wouldn't Give Up
Undeterred, he secured another loan, enticing the bank with an insurance policy in case he checked out. And he almost did, although not until much later.
With grit and guts, Lauda made his Grand Prix debut in Austria, his launchpad to three world titles.
A British Lad Also Dreamed Of Grand Prix Motor Racing
Around the same time, across the world, James Hunt, a young British driver who loved daring drives—and with a penchant for crashing—was carving his path in F3 racing.
His ambition to join Formula One seemed like a pipe dream, until an accident with fellow British racer Dave Morgan changed everything.
