PUMA and McLaren Pay Tribute to James Hunt, 50 Years After His 1976 Title

Flowing blond hair, a cheeky grin and a world title won by a single point. If Formula 1 ever had a rock star, it was James Hunt.

This year marks 50 years since Hunt clinched the 1976 Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren, and PUMA and McLaren Racing are celebrating with a full collection in his honour. PUMA calls it a love letter to the golden era of racing, and to the man who came to define it. Think heritage racing jackets, soft hoodies, easy tees, a cap and a pair of Speedcat driving boots, all wearing that famous '1976' badge with pride.

Before we get into the gear, let's talk about the man himself.

Who Was James Hunt?

Born in Belmont, Surrey, in 1947, Hunt made his F1 debut at the 1973 Monaco Grand Prix with Hesketh, the gloriously unlikely team run by Lord Hesketh. His all-or-nothing driving earned him the nickname 'Hunt the Shunt', but he proved plenty of doubters wrong in 1975, taking his first win at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

When Emerson Fittipaldi left McLaren at the end of that year, Hunt stepped into the seat for 1976, and what followed is one of the greatest seasons in F1 history.

The Season That Became a Film

Hunt's title rival was Ferrari's Niki Lauda. Lauda suffered horrific burns in a near-fatal crash at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, missed just two races and somehow came back to fight for the championship.

It all came down to the final round in Japan. In torrential rain at Fuji, Lauda pulled out early, and Hunt crossed the line in third. That was enough to take the title by one single point. The story was so good that Hollywood turned it into Rush in 2013, with Chris Hemsworth playing Hunt.

Racing Without Limits, Dressing Without Effort

Off the track, Hunt was just as famous. He had a playboy reputation, a dry sense of humour and a famously relaxed approach to what he wore. PUMA sums it up nicely: he raced without limits and dressed without effort.

Hunt stayed with McLaren until 1978, moved to Wolf in 1979 and retired midway through that season with 10 wins and 14 poles to his name. He then spent 13 years alongside Murray Walker in the BBC commentary box, where his blunt opinions made him a cult favourite all over again. He passed away in 1993, aged just 45.

A Closer Look at the PUMA x McLaren Racing James Hunt Collection…

So, what's actually in the drop? Six pieces, most of them carrying a '1976' script badge, 'TEAM McLAREN' branding and a nod to Hunt's own signature.

James Hunt Racing T7 Jacket – £150

The headline piece. PUMA's classic T7 jacket gets a padded makeover inspired by Hunt's 1976 season, with a cotton twill shell, red racing piping and 'TEAM McLAREN 1976' on the chest. It has a relaxed fit and a full zip, and it's made with at least 20% recycled materials. Very much one for the paddock, or the pub.

Speedcat James Hunt Mid Boots – £200

Sneakerheads, this is the one for you. It's a special edition of the Speedcat Pro, PUMA's lightweight driving boot, and it's inspired by the boots Hunt raced in. The Clyde Royal blue leather upper comes with a white toe, a cream Formstrip and a carbon heel counter for extra stability. 'TEAM McLAREN 1976' sits on the side, just in case anyone missed the reference.

James Hunt Graphic Hoodie – £80

A relaxed French terry hoodie with a James Hunt graphic, a kangaroo pocket and McLAREN RACING and PUMA branding. You can grab it in Mouse Gray or Titan Black.

James Hunt Ringer Tee – £40

Pure '70s energy. This slim-fit ringer tee comes with contrast trims and that big '1976' script badge on the chest, in Fierce Red or Alpine Snow. The red one is the star of the campaign, and it's easy to see why.

James Hunt Oversized Tee – £40

If you want the man himself on your chest, this is it. The oversized tee features a black-and-white portrait of Hunt from his 1976 season, topped with 'TEAM McLAREN 1976'. It comes in Titan Black and Alpine Snow.

James Hunt Baseball Cap – £43

Finally, a black five-panel cap with red and white racing stripes, a pre-curved brim and a snapback closure. Hunt's signature runs down the side.

How about the Drop Date?

The PUMA x McLaren Racing James Hunt collection is available now at PUMA, in selected PUMA stores and via the McLaren store. Prices run from £40 for the tees up to £200 for the Speedcat boots.

IMAGE CREDITS: PUMA