Video: The true James Hunt story

But in order to understand the real James Hunt, beyond the celebrity, we spoke to those that knew him best. This latest instalment of The Tyrrell Shed Interviews invited James’ son, Freddie, as well as former McLaren Team Manager Alastair Caldwell, and journalist and friend Rob Widdows to Goodwood to talk about the James Hunt that they knew.

Starting with Freddie’s earliest recollections of his father, this documentary explores Hunt’s initial years in motorsport, from building his own racing Mini to meeting Lord Hesketh for the first time. Caldwell recounts the story that led him to a drive with McLaren, a move that kickstarted the fabled 1976 season.

Members' Meeting

Goodwood to celebrate ‘The James Hunt Years’ at the 83rd Members’ Meeting

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That Championship-winning year was all about Hunt’s rivalry with Niki Lauda, and as this documentary reveals the two were far greater friends than Hollywood would have you believe. Still, the competition between the two was fierce, and while we’ll be celebrating great rivalries like this at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, it’s ‘The James Hunt Years’ that will take centre stage at the 83^rd Members’ Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport.

On the 50^th anniversary of Hunt’s World Championship triumph, the Goodwood Motor Circuit will host a collection of cars from a stunning era of F1, with Hunt’s own machines the focal point as we remember one of the sport’s most charismatic drivers this April.

Until then, place yourself back in ‘The James Hunt Years’ with this enriching documentary full of all the inside knowledge courtesy of Caldwell, Widdows and of course, Freddie Hunt.  

The 83^rd Members' Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport takes place on the 18^th & 19^th April 2026. Only Sunday are available, exclusively for GRRC Members and Fellows, with Saturday, weekend and grandstand passes now sold out.

You can sign up for the Fellowship now. Click here to find out more.