James Hunt was a British racing driver, best known for winning the 1976 Formula One World Championship. Born on August 29, 1947, in Belmont, England, he became famous for his charismatic personality and his rivalry with Niki Lauda, an Austrian driver. Hunt's racing career began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained recognition for his speed and skill on the track. Hunt drove for several teams during his career, including McLaren and Hesketh Racing. His championship win in 1976 was marked by dramatic races and a near-fatal accident involving Lauda. After retiring from racing in 1979, Hunt became a commentator and continued to be a prominent figure in motorsport until his death in 1993.