James Hunt Net Worth at the time of His Death

James Hunt net worth was estimated to be around USD 40 million at the time of his death in November 2022.  He amassed his fortune from his salary and prize money from his numerous racing victories.

He was also one of the first Formula One drivers to secure lucrative sponsorship arrangements, which allowed him to supplement his income.  A big home was among his holdings.

Hunt was a legendary Formula One racing driver who left a legacy of world-class motor racing abilities.

James Simon Wallis Hunt was a racing driver from the United Kingdom. He rose to prominence in the 1970s, winning the ‘Formula One World Championship’ in 1976.

He gained the respect and affection of many young people due to his lively personality, handsome appearance, and playboy image.

Although he began his career as a touring car racer, he rose to ‘Formula Three’ in 1969 when he joined the ‘Hesketh Racing’ squad.

Due to his wild racing escapades, he earned the moniker “Hunt the Shunt.” In 1973, he competed in ‘Formula One,’ driving for the ‘Hesketh Racing’ team and driving a ‘March 731.’

Later, driving the ‘Hesketh 308’ car, he won both World Championship and non-Championship races for his team.

He joined the ‘McLaren squad near the end of 1975 and won the ‘World Drivers Championship’ in 1976. After a few years, he joined the ‘Wolf’ squad but was unable to complete a series of races.

James Hunt Profile Summary

• Full Name: James Simon Wallis Hunthh
• Nationality: English
• Date of Birth: August 29th, 1947
• Profession: Formula One driver
• Net Worth: $40 million

James Hunt Early life

James Hunt was born on August 29, 1947, in Belmont, Surrey, England, to Wallis Hunt, a London stockbroker, and his wife Sue Hunt. He was the family’s second child, with an older sister and four younger siblings.

He began his education at Hastings’ ‘Westerleigh School’ in 1955. After that, he attended ‘Wellington College’ in Crowthorne, Berkshire. As a child, he was determined and talented, excelling in tennis and squash.

James was inspired to become a professional car racer after witnessing an auto race before his 18th birthday. His parents, however, did not support his goals due to his erratic personality.

He worked odd jobs to buy a secondhand Mini and spent two years prepping it for sale.

His submission was disallowed, however, since the driver’s seat was an old lawn chair. He eventually worked as a trainee manager for a telephone business to raise finances for race preparation.

Several incidents occurred throughout the early days of his racing career, instilling terror in him. He eventually learnt to conquer his concerns to win races, although he would subsequently vomit in the garage.

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Career

James Hunt is one of the most well-known Formula One drivers of all time. During his career, which lasted from 1973 to 1979, he won nine races and was crowned World Champion in 1976.

His racing career began with the Hesketh Racing team, where he competed in Formula Three and Formula Two before progressing to the top level.

Hunt won the Dutch Grand Prix for the first time in 1975, defeating championship leader Niki Lauda and Ferrari. However, at the end of the season, financial difficulties left Hunt without a drive until 1976, when he was signed by McLaren to replace Emerson Fittipaldi.

The 1976 season was one of the most spectacular in Formula One history, with Hunt and Lauda battling for the championship.

Lauda lost three races after a crash at the German Grand Prix, while Hunt won two, regaining momentum and finally winning the title by a single point after Lauda retired from the season-ending Japan Grand Prix.

The competition between Hunt and Lauda was so intense that it inspired the 2013 film Rush, which chronicled their legendary battle for the title.

Finally, James Hunt’s career is regarded as one of the most illustrious in motorsport. He will be remembered as a flamboyant figure with tremendous driving talent.

His 1976 World Championship will be remembered as one of the most famous moments in Formula One history, and his legacy will be remembered for many years to come.

Hunt joined the BBC as a race co-commentator alongside Murray Walker after his driving career finished. During his 13-year tenure with the BBC, he was widely respected and opinionated before he away in 1993 at the age of 45.

Personal Death and Life

In October 1974, James Hunt married Suzy Miller. By the end of 1975, she had moved on with Richard Burton, who also paid Hunt’s $1 million divorce settlement.

Later in December 1983, he married Sarah Lomax. They had two children, Tom and Freddie, together. They split up in November 1989.

On June 15, 1993, he died of a heart attack. He was 45 years old and had proposed to Helen Dyson the day before his death over the phone.

Then on January 29, 2014, James Hunt was inducted into the ‘Motor Sports Hall of Fame posthumously.

Net Worth

James Hunt has a net worth of USD 40 million as a retired British race car racer and commentator.