23.03.2023James Hunt's McLaren M23: winning car from Formula 1's great eccentric

Lauda won the start and took the lead but dropped out later and Hunt won the race. The Briton's victory in the McLaren seemed like the proverbial drop in the ocean, because Lauda and Ferrari seemed to have the World Championship under control at that point.

But at the French Grand Prix, no one knew that the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda would never be the same just four weeks later. On August 1st, Lauda barely survived his fire accident on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. After missing just two races, the Austrian returned to the cockpit and was still a World Championship contender.

The decision was made at the finale in Fuji, Japan. In hair-raising weather conditions before the race, the Grand Prix was initially called into question, but then released despite rain and fog. Shortly after the start, Niki Lauda and other drivers gave up in the pits because the risk was too great for them. James Hunt was third and thus world champion with a one-point lead over Lauda and six victories to his credit - one of them at the aforementioned Grand Prix in France.

The winning McLaren from Le Castellet was produced by Modelcar Group in scale 1:18. The model including decals impresses with its faithful cockpit replica and the driver figure of James Hunt, whose 30th anniversary is in June 2023.

It is no coincidence that Hunt is still popular among Formula 1 fans today. The Brit is certainly one of the most eccentric characters the premier class has ever seen. Hunt lived less the life of a racer with world championship potential and more that of a pop star. He drank, smoked, partied and enjoyed life - an attitude that would be inconceivable in today's Formula 1.

After his racing career, the ten-time Grand Prix winner accompanied the cult commentator Murray Walker on the BBC microphone and always attracted attention with his open nature and easy-going tongue.

Hunt died of a heart attack in June 1993, aged just 45. His legacy lives on. This is also ensured by the cinema film "Rush", son Freddie, who drives races himself as a semi-professional, and of course a number of model cars such as the McLaren M23, which Hunt drove to victory in France in 1976.

J. Hunt McLaren M23 #11 Winner France GP Formula 1 world champion 1976 1:18, RRP 64,95 €, item-no.: MCG18612F

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James Hunt McLaren M23 #11 gagnant Français GP formule 1 Champion du monde 1976 1:18 MCG

£ 64.95