James Hunt Family Tree: The Story Behind F1's Playboy Champion

James Simon Wallis Hunt (1947–1993), born 29 August 1947 in Belmont, Surrey, England, and died 15 June 1993 in Wimbledon, London, was a British F1 driver — 1976 World Drivers' Champion (McLaren, beating Niki Lauda by 1 point in the year Lauda nearly died). Portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in Ron Howard's Rush (2013).

The Family's Roots: An English Middle-Class Family

The Hunt family is English middle-class in Surrey.

His Parents

Father: Wallis Hunt — stockbroker.

Mother: Susan Hunt — homemaker.

His Siblings

James had 5 siblings, including brother David Hunt — F1 driver himself in 1993.

His First Wife: Suzy Miller

Suzy Miller — married James on 18 October 1974; divorced 1975 (she left him for actor Richard Burton whom she then married).

His Second Wife: Sarah Lomax

Sarah Lomax — married James on 17 December 1983; divorced 1989.

Their Sons

Tom Hunt, born 19 September 1985 — son.

Freddie Hunt, born 1987 — son; occasional racing driver.

The Hunt Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Wallis Hunt — stockbroker.

Mother: Susan Hunt.

Brother: David Hunt — F1 driver 1993.

First Wife: Suzy Miller (m. 18 October 1974, div. 1975) — later married Richard Burton.

Second Wife: Sarah Lomax (m. 17 December 1983, div. 1989).

Sons: Tom (b. 19 September 1985); Freddie (b. 1987) — racing driver.

James Hunt:

  • Born 29 August 1947, Belmont, Surrey
  • Wellington College; considered medical school before racing
  • Formula Ford, Formula 3 (nicknamed "Hunt the Shunt")
  • F1 debut: 1973 Monaco GP (Hesketh)
  • Hesketh 1973-75; McLaren 1976-1978 (Champion 1976)
  • 1976 title: won by 1 point after Lauda's Nürburgring near-fatal fire and Fuji GP retirement
  • 10 wins, 14 poles, 23 podiums
  • Retired 1979
  • BBC F1 commentator with Murray Walker 1980–1993 — beloved partnership
  • Died: 15 June 1993, Wimbledon — heart attack at 45

What the Hunt Family Story Teaches Us

A stockbroker father. A large family of six children. A first wife who left him for Richard Burton. A second marriage that produced 2 sons. A career that combined a playboy reputation with a 1-point title over the sport's most-technical driver.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the James Hunt story carries the same lesson. Some careers live fast and are gone at 45.

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