James Hunt driver was a notorious hellraiser and lived to the limit of excess, while still managing to be at the top of his game.
Here we look at how he compared to Lewis Hamilton, a more modern athlete at a similar stage at his career.
FOOD AND DRINK
Lewis Hamilton lives a clean cut lifestyle of food and drink – James Hunt did not
Hamilton treats his body like a temple and is devoted to a vegan plant-based diet and no longer indulges in any toxins, including alcohol. He decided to make the change after learning more about what he put into his body.
Hunt’s habits were more Temple of Doom, once drinking an entire plane dry after his famous 1976 win as he and his entourage traveled back to the UK. He was also partial to drugs and was a big fan of cocaine.
PRE-RACE RITUALS
Hamilton keeps pre-races simple, while Hunt liked to have a clear-out before racing
Hamilton has no pre-race rituals and has gone on record saying there is no pattern to how he prepares before a big race. He has admitted to listening to music before a drive and also researches ways into tackling each track.
Before one of his biggest wins, Hunt spent a fortnight on a round the clock drugs and booze binge before his customary act of being sick before a race – sparked by nerves and overdoing things.
WOMEN
Both men have been involved with some of the world’s most beautiful women
Hamilton has been involved and linked with a string of beautiful and famous women. But it appears even this has mellowed into a more sensible – and some might say boring – routine in recent years, with him saying in 2018 his love life was ‘non-existent’ because he had no time for it.
Hunt famously said he had slept with 5,000 women in his life time, including some 33 British Airways air stewardesses. It was claimed in a biography acting legend Richard Burton paid a million dollars for model Suzy Hunt’s divorce from the driver so they could be together
FASHION
Hamilton has sported some unusual outfits in the past, as did Hunt during his life
Hamilton has a keen interest in fashion and is very particular about the clothes that he wears, often sparking some mockery from fans. He once was refused entry into the Royal Box at Wimbledon because he would not put on a tie, as is the regulation for the prestigious seats.
Hunt was also very particular about what he wore. It is said that when he went to McLaren for the 1976 season, he refused to sign a clause in his contract that stipulated he wear a suit and tie to sponsor functions.