James Hunt in McLarenFord M23, Brands Hatch, Kent, 1977. Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt in action during the Race of Champions in 1977. Hunt won the race and set a new lap record for the 4.2 kilometre (2.1 mile) circuit at 190.9 kph (118.38 mph). The charismatic British driver won 10 Grands Prix after suffering with uncompetitive cars early in his career, and in 1976 secured the World Drivers Championship. He retired after the 1979 Monaco Grand Prix, and was best remembered afterwards for his partnership with Murray Walker in the BBC Grand Prix commentary box. James Hunt died in 1993 of a massive heart attack, aged only 45.