Original subtitles

COMMENTATOR: ...what has turned into a classic Formula One season.

(FOREIGN COMMENTATORS OVERLAPPING)

...with the weather conditions so uncertain, the drivers prepare for...

...the track is still dangerously wet,

but following a drivers' meeting,

a decision has finally been taken...

ANNOUNCER: Three minutes to go.

Everybody off the grid now.

(AIR HISSING)

(MAN TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

NIKI: Twenty-five drivers start every season in Formula One,

and each year two of us die.

What kind of person does a job like this?

Not normal men, for sure.

Rebels,

lunatics,

dreamers.

People who are desperate to make a mark

and are prepared to die trying.

My name is Niki Lauda,

and racing people know me for two things.

The first is my rivalry with him.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

ANNOUNCER: Photographers, please clear the grid.

What about Hunt? Has he changed?

No, he's going on wets.

NIKI: I don't know why it became such a big thing.

We were just drivers busting each others' balls.

To me this is perfectly normal,

but other people saw it differently,

that whatever it was between us went deeper.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(ENGINE STARTS)

(ENGINE REVVING)

The other thing I'm remembered for

is what happened on 1st August 1976,

when I was chasing him like an asshole.

(ENGINE REVVING)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

GEMMA: Yeah, that's the one. On the second shelf. Thank you.

Trauma trolley, please.

I think the racetrack telephoned ahead that I was coming.

Hunt. James Hunt.

What's the matter? No one ever seen a spot of blood before?

Are you all right?

Absolutely fine.

We all thought you'd been in an accident.

I have.

If you call a friendly disagreement

with another driver an accident.

What did you disagree about?

JAMES: It's none of your business.

(GROANS)

Sorry.

His wife.

That's going to need a couple of stitches. It's a nasty cut.

It was a nasty blow. Done with a bloody crowbar.

Why? What did you do?

Nothing.

Only what she asked me to do.

Which was?

I'd be happy to show you if you like.

(JAMES GROANS)

Sorry.

JAMES: I have a theory why women like racing drivers.

It's not because they respect what we do,

driving round and round in circles.

Mostly they think that's pathetic, and they're probably right.

It's our closeness to death.

You see, the closer you are to death, the more alive you feel.

The more alive you are.

And they can see that in you. They feel that in you.

My name is James Hunt.

My father is a stockbroker,

my sister is a barrister and my brother is an accountant.

And I, well, I do this.

It's a wonderful way to live.

It's the only way to drive.

As if each day is your last.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(GEMMA LAUGHING)

I've never been to a Grand Prix before.

Oh, you still haven't. This is Formula Three.

What's that?

That's a lower division where idiots like me mess about

in the hope of being talent-spotted to race in Formula One.

-You look disappointed. -No.

JAMES: Ah. You only slept with me because you thought I was famous.

GEMMA: That's not true.

Don't worry. I will be one day.

(CHUCKLES)

Morning, everyone.

-This is Nursie. -Gemma.

JAMES: Nursie, this is Bubbles Horsley, team manager.

How do you do?

-Bubbles? -Yeah.

Doc Postlethwaite, our designer.

How do you do?

JAMES: And Alexander, Lord Hesketh, the team's owner.

How do you do?

Fine, thanks.

HESKETH: (LAUGHS) Well done, Superstar.

That's the car?

Yep, that's her.

Lotus 59.

1000cc. Cosworth MAE engine.

She's no beauty, but goes like the clappers.

(JAMES VOMITS)

(SPITS)

HESKETH: Nothing to be worried about. Does it before every race.

Good sign, actually. Means he's stoked.

ANNOUNCER: All Formula Three cars to the assembly area now, please.

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

ANNOUNCER: ...drivers, please bring them to the scrutineering bay now.

All right, Superstar?

Never better, patrón.

-Have a gargle with this. -Thank you.

HESKETH: Quick toke of this.

COMMENTATOR: At Crystal Palace today, James Hunt's on pole,

with Austrian newcomer Niki Lauda alongside him

and Dave Walker completing Row 1.

Row 2 is Mike Beuttler and Dave Morgan,

with Tony Trimmer and Gerry Birrell.

Who's that?

DOC: He's new.

Some German.

Austrian.

BUBBLES: He's been here since 5:00 a.m., walking the track.

You might actually have to concentrate today, James.

HESKETH: You'll need these.

BUBBLES: Okay, start her up.

(ENGINE SPUTTERS)

HESKETH: Ah! What music!

They could never have imagined it,

those pioneers who invented the automobile,

that it would possess us like this,

in our imaginations, our dreams.

Nursie, men love women,

but even more than that, men love cars.

(ENGINE REVVING)

MAN: Come on, James!

It's James! Go on, James!

Go, James!

Hunt's still in the lead, but Niki Lauda is right on his tail.

COMMENTATOR: Hunt and Lauda are proving to be in a class of their own.

They're leaving the pack far behind.

Herr Red Devil's on his tail.

COMMENTATOR: Lauda takes a look down the inside.

And he's sold him a dummy!

Lauda is through! He's in the lead!

Hunt will be determined to make up for that mistake.

(ENGINE REVVING)

Hunt's in Lauda's slipstream.

Lauda's not leaving any gap.

The Lotus goes for the inside.

It's an aggressive move from Hunt.

Oh! There's contact!

(TIRES SCREECHING)

The leaders have spun out! Lauda's facing the wrong way!

The back marker's gone through.

You can see why Hunt's fellow drivers call him Hunt the Shunt.

(ENGINE REVVING)

(CURSING IN GERMAN)

-Go on, James! -The Kraut's out of it.

COMMENTATOR: Lauda is clearly furious.

There's every reason to expect sharp words in the pits.

It's going to be victory for Hunt.

It's going to be an ignominious defeat for Niki Lauda.

-(CROWD CHEERING) -(CHAMPAGNE CORK POPS)

(LAUGHS)

COMMENTATOR: So James Hunt scores his third major

Formula Three win of the season here at Crystal Palace,

after a desperate battle with Niki Lauda.

Lauda was unable to restart

after Hunt's aggressive move caused them

both to spin out in the last lap of the race.

HESKETH: Hard luck. Better luck next time.

Hey, asshole.

That was my line. I had that corner.

You mean the one that you spun out of

and finished facing the other way?

-I think that corner had you. -(ALL LAUGH)

That move was total suicide. What if I hadn't braked? We'd have crashed.

But we didn't, did we?

Thanks to your impeccable survival instincts.

-(IMITATES CLUCKING) -(ALL LAUGH)

Fuck you. What's your name?

James Simon Wallis Hunt. Remember it, my little Jerry friend.

JAMES: Jawohl. Remember the name.

It's very simple. Hunt.

It rhymes with "cunt."

(LAUGHING)

JAMES: A word that happens to describe you perfectly.

Who was that?

I've no idea. He looks like a rat, doesn't he?

(GEMMA LAUGHING)

NIKI: In my hometown, Vienna, my family is famous for one thing, business.

(BELLS RINGING)

My grandfather was a businessman,

my father, too.

So when they heard I wanted to race cars for a living,

they had a few things to say.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(GRANDFATHER YELLING IN GERMAN)

NIKI: So if my family wasn't going to help me,

I decided to risk everything and take out a loan myself.

I found a Formula One team with an okay car

and an owner who had run out of money

and was willing to accept my terms.

PRESENTER: And so, ladies and gentlemen,

I'm delighted to say that the winner

of the Guild of Motoring Writers Award Driver of the Year

is James Hunt.

(ALL CHEERING)

Superb news!

Well done, James.

Superstar!

MAN: Fantastic!

(LAUGHS)

-Well done. -Thank you so much.

Yes!

Um...

My parents always wanted me to be a doctor

or a stockbroker or something.

(ALL LAUGHING)

They gave me the first-class education,

but, well, that all went terribly wrong and I ended up with you lot.

(ALL LAUGHING)

Thank you. I need it more than you do.

(ALL LAUGHING)

I mean, I have a hot head, an inability to tolerate discipline.

-Yes! -Very true.

I fall out with people left and right.

The only creatures I've ever really loved

or treated honorably are budgerigars.

(ALL LAUGHING)

So in any normal area of life, I'd be, uh, or I am, a total liability.

The only thing I've got going for me is I'm quick in a car.

So thank you for this and for acknowledging that.

I'm going to give it to my father,

and tell him to put it on the mantelpiece

and imagine it's a first-class degree in medicine.

(MUSIC STARTS PLAYING)

HESKETH: Well done, Superstar.

Another season like that, then I'll move you up to the big time.

Come on, you don't think I'm ready now?

You are. (LAUGHS)

I'm not. I've got to find you a car first.

Well, go on, then. Chop chop.

Don't wait too long.

You don't want him to do what Lauda just did.

Why? What did he do?

Got himself a drive with BRM.

Well, how the hell did he do that?

He's a nobody. He's never won a bloody thing.

Apparently took out a loan and bought his way in

with two million Austrian shillings.

Jesus.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

Niki Lauda. Here for pre-season testing. BRM?

Sign the release form. I'll let them know you're here.

-Mr. Stanley. -Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning. Clay! (CLEARS THROAT)

Let me introduce you to our number one driver.

Clay Regazzoni.

-How are you? -Good.

Pleasure.

STANLEY: And these are your mechanics.

They're reporting exclusively to you, as per contract.

Pleasure. Do you wanna see the car?

Sure.

NIKI: Hello.

MECHANIC: There she is. P160.

Same as Regazzoni's?

Identical in every detail.

How much does she weigh?

MECHANIC: 600 kilos.

NIKI: But that's crazy.

Why so heavy?

It's a V12 engine.

That lump weighs 180 K on its own.

Okay.

What horsepower are you getting? 490?

No, no, 450.

Well, it's not enough.

It needs to be 500, and the engine needs to be 20 kilo lighter.

MECHANIC: We already tried.

-NIKI: Tried what? -MECHANIC: Everything.

We replaced the entire exhaust system. Barely made a difference.

Are you using magnesium parts?

Now the engine block.

Any mounting or fixing plates, strip it out also.

When you've done that, we have to look at the aerodynamics,

front and rear wing.

(CRACKLING)

Okay, thank you. Good night.

(ENGINE REVVING)

What was Regazzoni's time?

1:53.

Okay, now put him in my car, and he'll go around two seconds faster.

-(ALL LAUGH) -Well, that's impossible.

MAN: No chance.

MECHANIC: We have been working on it all night.

Put Regazzoni in the car. See what happens.

REGAZZONI: I don't understand. Why am I supposed to do this?

I don't know, Clay. He just wants you to take it for a spin.

Gloves, please.

(SPEAKS ITALIAN)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(CLOCK TICKING)

NIKI: I would say we push it a bit further up there.

All right.

STANLEY: What did you do to the car?

That's information I will share with you under certain conditions only.

Go on.

A guaranteed place in the team.

And a paid contract on equal terms with Regazzoni for two years.

(SCOFFS) Are you crazy?

Clay's a senior figure in Formula One. You're just a rookie.

The only reason we took you on is because you're paying us.

Well, as of now if you want me to stay,

we rip up the contract, I don't pay you a cent.

That's outrageous!

NIKI: Was he quicker in my car?

He was, wasn't he?

Did he go two seconds faster?

2.3.

So, have a think, work out your priorities and get back to me.

Hey, Niki.

I know what you're going to say, that it's none of my business.

What?

If it's the track manager you're taking on your date tonight.

It's none of your business.

Okay, but if you want my advice, I'd let this one go.

I'm not questioning your taste. She is a great girl, but...

Agnes' last boyfriend

was a British Formula Two driver

who has a reputation for two things.

For being a little crazy on the track

and for going all night and all day and all night again in bed.

He's a good driver, but an immortal fuck, apparently.

I don't know about you, but that's not an act I'd like to follow. (LAUGHS)

But if that doesn't bother you...

What's his name, the driver?

Hunt. James Hunt.

You see, you share information and I share information.

That's what teammates are for.

JAMES: Where the hell are we going?

HESKETH: I promise it'll be worth it. (LAUGHS)

Just keep them closed.

Wait for it.

Wait for it.

(LAUGHS)

HESKETH: There. What do you say?

JAMES: She's Formula One.

Yes, she is, Superstar.

Your brother and I got together with the bean counters.

And since the economics of F1

are not so significantly different

to the economics of Formula Two,

well, we thought if we were going to be losing money,

we might as well be doing it on

the big roulette table in Formula One.

You fat, little, inbred beauty. Come here.

(ALL LAUGH)

Actually, credit where it's due, we got the idea from Niki.

-JAMES: Who? -HESKETH: Lauda.

Bought his way in rather than mess about in the lower divisions.

I thought, bloody hell, he's right.

No sponsorship, Superstar. I hope you approve.

No vulgar logos for cigarettes or condoms.

Just plain white with the flags. Ooh!

And racing overalls which read,

"Sex. Breakfast of champions."

(ALL LAUGHING)

So when do we start?

-Soon as you're ready. -Ready?

I've been waiting for this my whole life.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

STIRLING: When the season started, people wondered

whether Lord Hesketh and his team of upper-class enthusiasts

were bringing glamour to the racing community or just comedy.

Certainly, it was the first time

anyone had seen a butler serving

oysters and caviar in the pits.

But they have made quite an impact.

Sixth in France, fourth in Britain and third in Holland.

ANNOUNCER 1: All drivers on the track, caution flags are out.

-(SIREN WAILING) -A severe crash at the Esses.

ANNOUNCER 2: Red flag. There is a car off the track.

STIRLING: And reports are reaching me that there

has been a serious accident in qualifying.

Uh, the identity of the driver,

we don't currently have at the moment,

but as you can tell from all the activity

going on behind me towards the track,

it is clearly a grave incident indeed.

We will, of course, have more information for you as and when we get it,

but it is the sight and sound of Formula One nobody likes to see.

-Get your hands off me. -MAN: Hey, come on.

COMMENTATOR: Drivers of top stature

we've lost just in the past four seasons

have included Piers Courage, Jochen Rindt,

Jo Siffert, Roger Williamson

and today, at Watkins Glen,

Formula One has claimed another driver.

(VOMITS)

ANNOUNCER: The Tyrrell team have withdrawn from the race.

Their places on the grid will be left empty.

Terrible.

They should cancel the race.

Why?

He made a mistake, went into the corner too fast.

It's his fault.

-Is that right? -It's obvious.

Look at the tire marks.

So says the nobody who had to pay for his own drive.

How's that working out for you, by the way?

Fine. How is it at the back?

Not planning on being there for long.

(SCOFFS)

ANNOUNCER: Ten minutes to the warm-up lap. Ten minutes.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

Arsehole.

JAMES: Heading into the Grand Hotel hairpin, second gear.

Turn in hard, looking for late apex, gentle with the bar.

Heading into Portier, second gear, clip the apex,

light brake, stay in second, looking for a good exit.

Heading through the tunnel, gradual right,

up through third, fourth, fifth...

SUZY: Is Alexander around?

JAMES: Uh, yes, he was.

He went back to the house to take a call. He'll be back shortly.

He only wanted to show me his pride and joy.

Rhymes with "boy," if you ask me.

And "toy."

God, it's so flimsy.

For something that costs so much.

There's no comfort, no protection, nothing.

No, it's just a little coffin, really.

Surrounded by high-octane fuel in here.

Being driven round 170 miles per hour.

To all intents and purposes,

this thing's a bomb on wheels.

You're James, aren't you?

Yes.

You fit the description.

Is that right?

Suzy. Friend of Alex's.

Yeah, yeah. I know exactly.

JAMES: What was the description?

SUZY: Mostly positive in terms of appearance.

Negative only in terms of character.

I've been told to avoid you.

By whom?

Alexander. He says you're a bad boy.

Oh, Alexander doesn't know what he's talking about.

I was. I'm not anymore.

The new me is very professional.

Early to bed, early to rise.

All very dull, but according to the team,

(IN GERMAN ACCENT) "The best way to keep beating the goose stepper."

Is that what you were doing when I came in?

Yes, visualization techniques, memorizing the circuit,

in this case, uh, Monaco, which is up next.

(HORSE WHINNYING)

Personally, I've always been a great believer in

getting there on the day,

putting my foot down and playing chicken with everyone else.

(LAUGHS)

But they don't want me doing that anymore.

They want my body like a temple and my mind like a monk.

And what about your soul, your heart?

Well, they've got ideas about that, too.

They want me to stop messing around,

settle down, get married with the next nice girl I meet.

They think it would be good for me.

Mmm. What do you think?

It sounds fucking awful.

(LAUGHS)

But since they're right about most things,

-they're probably right about that, too. -Hmm.

You don't fancy getting married, do you?

(LAUGHS)

(CHURCH BELLS RINGING)

(ALL CHEERING)

(WHOOPS)

Suzy.

MAN: Bravo!

Hey, hey, hey!

-What's going on with him? -Nothing. Nothing.

BUBBLES: Didn't want to ruin your day.

It's, uh, the Kraut.

What about him?

He's just been signed by Ferrari.

You're kidding me. Jesus. How did that happen?

Did he buy his way in there, too?

Well, the old man took Regazzoni back,

and he insisted on it, apparently.

BUBBLES: He says that Niki's a genius setting up the cars.

It's terrible. Drives like a pig.

Oh, you can't say that.

Why not?

It's a Ferrari.

It's a shitbox.

It understeers like crazy, and the weight distribution is a disaster.

It's amazing, all these facilities

and you make a piece of crap like this.

Huh?

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

"Ferrari family," "our good friend Clay Regazzoni."

You are family and friend to the commendatore as long as you win.

The minute you don't, ciao, ciao.

I totally understand. It's business. I would do the same.

REGAZZONI: But it isn't just business, is it? What we do.

It's passion, love.

Which is why we are prepared to risk our lives for it.

Not me.

If I had more talent and could earn

better money with something else,

I would.

How do you know you will make money here?

You haven't yet.

Not yet, but I will.

If you can, I can.

You know, are you ever not an asshole?

(CHUCKLES)

-Why am I an asshole? -Well...

You know, by now I'm both quicker than you

and better at setting up the car.

You can't deal with it, so you're the asshole.

Oh, screw you.

(ENGINE REVVS)

I brought you along today because you seem like a lonely kind of guy.

I thought if I introduced you to some nice people,

that could rub off on you.

Forget it. Make your own friends.

Come on, Clay. I'm sorry.

(CLAY TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

(EXHALES)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

-Are you leaving? -(TRUNK DOOR OPENS)

Yes.

Can you give me a lift to the nearest town,

anywhere with a train station?

Sure. Trento's half an hour's drive.

Get in.

(MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO)

(SINGING ALONG)

What are you doing?

You hear that noise when you accelerate?

No.

Your fan belt is loose.

My what?

And when you brake, your foot goes all the way down,

which means there's air in the system.

Anything else?

No.

Apart from the rear brakes are worn out,

the front right tire's a bit soft,

-which explains why you're weaving so much. -Hmm.

How can you tell?

-My ass. -Sorry?

God gave me an okay mind,

but a really good ass which can feel everything in a car.

You don't know what you're talking about. This car is fine.

I just had a service a week ago.

Not a good one.

Yes, a very good one, very expensive.

This car is as good as new. Relax.

(MUSIC STARTS PLAYING)

MARLENE: You're not in a hurry, are you?

NIKI: No.

As long as I'm back in Maranello Monday morning.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

Ja.

-Marlene. -Niki.

(CAR APPROACHING)

(EXHALES)

(BRAKES SCREECHING)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(AGREES IN GERMAN)

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

Yes.

(LAUGHING)

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

Actually, we do, yeah.

It's my honor, Niki, please.

Thank you. Thank you.

My car is your car.

On one condition, though. It's a piece of shit. It's dog shit.

MAN: But if you drive it, you make my life, Niki, eh?

(CONTINUES SPEAKING ITALIAN)

Will someone please tell me what's going on?

Who are you? Should I know you?

MAN 1: What, you don't know?

He's Niki Lauda, Formula One driver,

-and he just signed with Ferrari. -Ha!

-Him? -MAN 1: Yes.

Impossible.

MAN 1: Why?

Well, you know, Formula One drivers,

they have long hair, are sexy,

their shirts are open to here.

-Thank you. -Yes.

Anyway, look at the way he's driving, like an old man.

NIKI: There's no need to drive fast.

It just increases the percentage of risk.

We're not in a hurry. I'm not being paid.

Right now, with zero incentive or reward, why would I drive fast?

Because I'm asking you to.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(GASPS)

(BOTH LAUGHING)

(MAN WHOOPING)

(LAUGHING)

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

(TRUCK HORN HONKS)

(LAUGHING)

COMMENTATOR: This is an incredible battle between Niki Lauda in the red Ferrari

and James Hunt in the white Hesketh.

...the challenge of Niki Lauda...

COMMENTATOR: Lauda attacking Hunt.

Lauda gets through on the inside.

Goes wide at the exit.

Hunt is past again.

Once more, Lauda tries to sneak up the inside.

They're absolutely side by side, wheel to wheel.

So evenly matched.

Fantastic battle between these two great drivers.

Hunt is now ahead once more.

But Lauda's coming back again now.

Lauda once more sneaks up the inside.

And again he runs wide. Again, the Hesketh...

MAN: Suzy, we're ready, come on.

Just one second.

Can we go, yeah?

Okay, yeah. (CLEARS THROAT)

We're in the closing laps of this race here at Watkins Glen.

They come down the hill.

And Hunt's got a problem!

Hunt pulls across to the left.

Lauda goes ahead on his own.

A sad end to a wonderful battle.

Hunt pushing off the marshal.

The checkered flag is waiting for Lauda and for Ferrari.

The title going to Niki Lauda,

who wins the race, who wins the World Championship.

(ALL CHEERING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

-Congratulations. -Thank you.

-(CAR DOOR CLOSES) -Marlene.

With a car like that, the rest of us never really

stood a chance, did we?

Maybe the fact the car is so good has something to do with me.

Oh, come on, Niki. You're in a Ferrari. I'm in a Hesketh.

Equal terms, the way it was in Formula Three, I'd beat you and you know it.

Never.

You might win one race, maybe two,

because you're aggressive.

But in the long run, over the course of a season, no chance.

Right. Why's that?

Because to be a champion, it takes more than just being quick.

-It's the whole picture. -Uh.

You're just a charger and a party guy.

(CHUCKLING)

That's why everybody likes you.

Ah, try saying that and tell me you're not jealous.

(CHUCKLES)

Why would I be jealous? Think about it.

All that affection, all those smiles

-is a sign of disrespect. -Oh.

They don't fear you. Whereas compare that to me.

-Yes, compared to you, whom no one likes. -Right.

Not even his own teammates.

Right. Because I'm a serious guy.

I go to bed early, I look after myself, look after my car.

Yes, you're very well-behaved.

Go to work, kick ass.

And then after the race, I go home instead of going to bars

and talk all this bullshit with all these assholes.

Arseholes?

You should go home more often, too.

I heard you got married.

Yes, I did.

So where is she, this mysterious wife?

-In New York, working. -Oh.

You know, I've never seen you with her once.

No?

Well, maybe that's because you're always at home,

on your own, looking after yourself, being a good little boy.

Take a drink on me, James.

Thank you, Niki. I might just have two.

(CAR DOOR CLOSES)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

JAMES: Right, Bubbles, whatever it takes to beat that prick next year,

just say it, your word is my command.

There are no lengths to which I will not go. And I mean it.

What the hell's going on?

Where is everybody? What's the matter?

(DOOR OPENS)

Do you know what the date is today?

Yes, it's November the 14th. Why?

Do you, uh, have any idea of the significance of that date?

I don't know. Time to start killing pheasants?

Actually, it's the deadline for securing sponsorship

for the forthcoming Formula One season.

Yes?

Which elapsed at midnight last night and we didn't attract any.

Well, so? We aren't looking for sponsorship.

Like you said, condoms and cigarettes, vulgar, right?

(SIGHS)

Right.

Except we are, or were.

I've made something of a miscalculation.

The economics, Formula One, realities thereof.

It turns out not like the lower divisions at all.

What are you saying?

I'm saying it's over, Superstar.

The banks have stepped in, started laying everyone off.

Probably have to sell this place.

Oh, Christ.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(SIGHS)

(COUGHING)

(MUSIC STOPS PLAYING)

I need a drive, Pete. I need you to find me a drive.

(STAMMERING) I mean, what about Lotus?

You don't wanna know.

Actually, I do.

PETER: Okay. Uh...

(SIGHS) They felt your reputation preceded you.

And what does that mean?

(TELEPHONE RINGING)

It's my other line. Look, I'll get back to you.

(SIGHS) Peter Hunt.

-Fuck. -(BIRDS CHEEPING)

(SIGHS)

Don't worry. Something will turn up.

Doubt that will help in the meantime.

(SIGHS)

Why don't we go away at the weekend?

Skiing. Before I go back to New York.

Talk to me, James. Don't make a stranger of me.

You know, Suzy, only a stranger would invite me skiing

when they know I haven't got a fucking drive.

I can't watch this.

What were you hoping for anyway?

A well-adjusted knight in shining armor?

No danger of that.

-You know, let me give you some advice. -SUZY: I'm all ears.

Don't go to men who are willing to kill themselves driving in circles

looking for normality.

I never expected normality.

God knows I walked into this with my eyes open.

I just hoped I'd married someone

who was half as impressive on the inside as he is on the outside.

At least there's something behind the facade.

-Oh, James. -Fuck off to New York, dear.

There must be a moisturizer or an eye shadow somewhere

that needs your vapid mush to flog it.

(SIGHS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

(CHIRPING)

(TELEPHONE RINGING)

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

(CLEARS THROAT)

-Hello? -PETER: Hi, James.

It's Peter. Something's up at McLaren.

What have you heard?

Oh, nothing. Why?

I heard Emerson's off. He's dumped them in it.

Jesus. Get me in there, Pete.

Say anything, just get me in that room.

TEDDY: I'll come straight to the point.

Our esteemed lead driver...

Fitti-fucking-paldi.

TEDDY: ...has ditched us for another team at the last minute.

CALDWELL: Coper-fucking-sucar.

TEDDY: And we need a replacement.

ASA-fucking-P.

(SIGHS)

Fortunately, a few hands have already gone up, good people.

Jacky Ickx.

I'm quicker than Jacky.

But he's consistent, dependable.

A grown-up.

Right, and will he go for that gap when no one else will?

Will be put his life on the line the day that it really matters?

JOHN: The sponsors like him.

What do you want, a driver or a brush salesman?

-We wanna be successful. -JAMES: Yes, so do I.

But that means beating Niki Lauda,

not being a show pony for sponsors.

TEDDY: I heard about this thing with Niki.

Everyone has.

You really think you can beat him?

I'd beat him in a McLaren.

It's the only car out there as quick as the Ferrari.

Which is why I'm here, begging.

Look, I'll do whatever you ask.

I'll put on a tie, I'll smile for sponsors, say the right things.

I can beat this guy, trust me.

Just give me the drive.

BUBBLES: Yeah, he can be a loose cannon.

And, yeah, he will drive you all mad,

but in terms of raw talent and right stuff,

there is no better driver in the world.

BUBBLES: He's the real thing, Teddy.

-He's what we all came into this for. -Mmm.

Nine days out of 10, you'll be pulling your hair out,

but on that 10th day, James will be unbeatable.

And that is the day you will wish you had him in your car.

You will never win the championship with Jacky Ickx.

You just might with James.

(CROWD CHEERING)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

STIRLING: Welcome to São Paulo, Brazil, and the Interlagos circuit

for the first race in the 1976 Formula One season,

where the main news is that James Hunt has qualified fastest,

beating Niki Lauda's Ferrari

to pole position by just two hundredths of a second.

(SIGHS) New car.

-I noticed. -Pole position.

I noticed that, too.

Level playing field now, my ratty little friend.

Yeah. Let's see where we are after lap one.

Let's see where we are in five races' time.

(CHUCKLING)

Hunt has the pit lane pole position,

which should give him the best chance

of outdragging Lauda's Ferrari.

If ever there was a doubt about

whether Lauda had a serious challenger to this season,

Hunt and his McLaren have certainly given us the answer.

(ENGINES REVVING)

COMMENTATOR: Here in South Africa,

James Hunt is determined to make amends

after that disastrous retirement in Brazil.

But it's Lauda who takes the flag here at Kyalami.

James Hunt comes home second to confirm

his championship challenge at last

and score his first points of the season.

You know, that wind you can feel

is me breathing down your neck.

Next time, I'll have you.

We'll see in Spain.

COMMENTATOR: James Hunt finally takes his first

victory of the season here in Spain,

after a brilliant drive.

It was only a matter of time.

(CROWD CHEERING)

(INAUDIBLE)

It's too wide.

Disqualified.

What?

You're disqualified.

CALDWELL: How can we be disqualified?

-1.5 centimeters. -It's the same car.

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

COMMENTATOR: ...McLaren M23 has proved very controversial here.

Just make it narrower. I don't care how.

CALDWELL: New rear suspension. New wishbones.

I wanna make sure this thing is legal, no doubts.

Well, then we'd better move the oil coolers back to the old position.

MECHANIC 2: With the oil coolers back,

the wing brackets need to be changed, too.

Fuck.

CALDWELL: What the fuck do you think we're doing?

COMMENTATOR: And with Hunt disqualified from his Spain win,

his championship year is not going well.

And now it's all gone wrong here at Monaco!

His engine is smoking.

(COMMENTATOR SPEAKING FRENCH)

Smoke pouring from the engine of that McLaren.

And James Hunt is out.

James, can you tell us what happened?

Sure. It's magic, we've taken a great car,

a great piece of engineering

and overnight turned it into a big, huge stinking turd.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(CROWD SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

Shit!

What the hell have you done?

The car's evil. It's fucking undriveable!

(CLATTERS)

James, look, if there's a problem with the car, we'll find it and fix it.

The car is a piece of shit. You should be appealing this.

-MAYER: We are appealing. -We will sort it out.

They're killing us out there.

CALDWELL: Oh, go and get your dick wet.

-You're a wanker. -JAMES: Fuck you.

CALDWELL: You're a fucking wanker.

But this was a good race for you, no, Niki?

It's good for everyone that the quickest car happens to be a legal car.

James, you're 50 points behind Lauda in the championship.

You've had another retirement today. What's going wrong?

Oh, it's dirty politics and dirty tricks, that's what's going wrong.

COMMENTATOR: So as we approach the halfway point

in this year's Formula One season,

Ferrari and Niki Lauda seem clearly on top,

and James Hunt and McLaren are struggling.

So, five races in, how's it going so far?

It's fine.

Just got a little problem with an Austrian rat

and his team of Italian cheats who have destroyed my car.

What are you talking about?

I'm talking about the race in Spain that I won.

Yeah, in a car which is not legal.

Five-eighths of an inch too wide.

You know that doesn't have the slightest effect on speed.

But you complained and your team of lawyers leaned on the authorities.

Now we've had to rebuild the car and it's become a monster.

At least it's a legal monster.

So you've had to resort to cheating.

You're driving an illegal car and call me the cheat?

It's pathetic. Rules are rules.

Yes, and rats are rats.

Thank you. Thank you.

Do you really think it upsets me, James,

calling me a rat because I look like one?

I don't mind it.

Rats are ugly, sure, and nobody likes them,

but they're very intelligent and they have a strong survival instinct.

-Wonderful. -Marlene, come.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

No wonder she left him.

(CAR DOOR CLOSES)

Anyone seen Suzy?

JAMES: She's supposed to be here today.

We, uh, didn't wanna tell you before the race.

Tell me what?

Jesus.

Is that from him?

Yeah.

So when did all this start?

That weekend I went skiing.

Why have you come here, James?

I've come to get you back.

You don't want me back.

You never wanted to be married in the first place.

Yes, I did.

Oh, come on, James.

You did it because you hoped it might change you,

settle you down, help with the racing.

(STAMMERING) No, I didn't.

And who knows, if it had been just the drinking

or the dope or the infidelity or the moods,

it might even have worked.

-But when it's all of them... -Yes, I know, I'm terrible.

No, you're not terrible.

You're just who you are at this point in your life.

God help anyone who wants more.

(CHUCKLES)

And Richard Burton, will he be able to give you more?

You know, he has quite the bad boy reputation himself.

What's important is how it feels to me,

and it feels like he adores me.

-James! -(ALL CLAMORING)

REPORTER: Are you and Suzy getting back together?

JAMES: It's all very amicable.

My wife has found herself a new backer...

I mean lover, which makes her happy.

And, uh, Mr. Burton has found a way of feeling young again,

which makes him happy.

Let's hope his pockets are deep.

-They'll need to be. -(ALL LAUGH)

And I've found a way to be single and have an ex-wife

without it costing me a penny,

which has got to go down as the biggest win of my career.

(ALL LAUGH)

I have a flight to catch.

(ALL TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

(ENGINE STARTS)

(INHALES)

(GASPING)

(GRUNTING)

COMMENTATOR: We haven't seen this sort of intensity

from James Hunt all season long.

Reports have been coming out of the McLaren camp all week

that their car is now fully legal and faster than ever.

(ENGINE REVVING)

(COMMENTATOR SPEAKING FRENCH)

(CHEERING)

Never mind the bloody wets. We're still quick.

Hunt has really closed the gap on Lauda as they head into Druids.

(ENGINES REVVING)

COMMENTATOR: Niki Lauda is under real pressure from James Hunt

as they go up the hill into Druids Corner.

(CROWD CHEERING)

And Hunt is in front of Lauda!

COMMENTATOR: So James Hunt gets the plaudits of the crowd,

the first Briton to win a British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch

since Jim Clark in 1964.

(CROWD CHEERING)

James, at the moment, you've got a terrific edge over the rest of the field.

How have you achieved this advantage?

Big balls.

(CHUCKLES)

Following an inquiry into the disqualification

of driver James Hunt from the Spanish Grand Prix,

it has been decided to overturn this disqualification

and to restore his victory and reinstate his points.

(CHEERING)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

James, a few weeks ago, you were out of the running for the season completely,

and now you're right back in it. What's changed?

Ah, it's a combination of factors, not all of which I'm prepared to discuss here.

But, uh, justice being done, re: the disqualification in Spain, helps,

and having my car back at its best again.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ALL LAUGHING)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(CHUCKLES)

(CHUCKLES)

(REGISTRAR SPEAKING GERMAN)

(EXHALES DEEPLY)

(CHUCKLING)

COMMENTATOR: Welcome to the legendary Nürburgring.

This is a 14.2 mile track,

complete with 185 corners and bends.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(GROANING IN PAIN)

(SIREN WAILING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(THUNDER RUMBLING)

STIRLING: Welcome to the Nürburgring,

the most dangerous circuit on the season calendar.

In Formula One, it is known as the Graveyard.

The weather conditions are far from ideal,

and latest reports indicate there is no relief in sight.

(INDISTINCT TALKING)

OFFICER: Gentlemen.

Well, gentlemen, please be quiet.

Thank you. Niki Lauda.

Thank you.

I called this meeting because, as all you drivers know,

the Nürburgring is the most stupid, barbaric, outdated

and dangerous track in the world.

You've all seen the rain that has been falling today.

Now, those of you with experience know

the ring needs perfect conditions

to be even remotely acceptable in terms of risk.

And today, with the rain, it's anything but perfect,

so I called this meeting to take a vote to cancel the race.

(ALL CLAMORING)

There would be no change to the situation, as far as points is concerned.

The race would simply be canceled.

This is bullshit.

If the race is canceled, none of us get our race fees.

That's true,

you leave without your fee, but you might leave with your life.

JAMES: It also means that you would effectively win the championship.

So I can see why this suits you just fine.

Why? There would be no points for me, either.

No, but there would be one race less

where I, or anyone else here, could catch you.

James is right. This is just tactics.

BRETT: Maybe he's just frightened.

Which asshole said this?

Yes, of course I'm frightened, and so are you.

I accept every time I get in my car,

there is 20% chance I could die, and I can live with it,

but not 1% more.

And today, with the rain, the risk is more.

I suppose that all depends on how good you are in the rain.

I have the track record here.

I am the only person in history

to do the ring in under seven minutes,

so actually, it's to my advantage to race here today.

Because I'm quicker than all of you.

(CLAMORING)

Come on.

Fine. Then let's race.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

-ARTURO: Niki, let's race. -OFFICER: Gentlemen, please.

Why are we here, Niki? Come on.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

(SIGHS)

Well, all those in favor of canceling the race.

(EXHALES)

All those in favor of racing.

OFFICER: Gentlemen, the race is on.

(CHEERING)

(INDISTINCT MURMUR)

-MAN 1: Ridiculous. -MAN 2: What a waste of time.

You know, Niki, every now and then, it helps if people like you.

(ENGINE STARTS)

(ENGINE REVVING)

STIRLING: In places the track is still dangerously wet,

but following a drivers' meeting,

a decision has finally been taken...

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

ANNOUNCER: One minute to go.

(ENGINE REVVING)

Jochen's going on slicks. You wanna change?

JAMES: Is Niki gonna change?

CALDWELL: No.

Then we stay on wets, too.

(COMMENTATOR SPEAKING GERMAN)

MECHANIC: Niki, okay?

NIKI: I'm good.

All right, fire her up.

(ENGINES REVVING)

COMMENTATOR: This season's fight for the Formula One World Championship

has so far been the story of two men.

Thus far, it's been going pretty much the way of Niki Lauda.

But James Hunt has qualified fastest here.

He is on pole position for the German Grand Prix

with Niki Lauda alongside in the blood-red Ferrari.

It's a long race.

If the track starts to dry out,

the wet-weather tires will no longer be as quick.

(ENGINES REVVING)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

Niki Lauda and James Hunt, side by side on the front row of the grid,

go away absolutely as one.

(TIRES SCREECHING)

Lauda very aggressive on Hunt there, forcing the McLaren onto the grass.

Lauda has the lead at the moment.

Lauda leads into the first corner.

Hunt is in second place.

(ENGINE REVVING)

COMMENTATOR: Mass storming past Hunt!

He made the right choice to go with the dry-weather tires.

Mass passing Lauda now!

Jochen Mass, in the number 12 McLaren, takes the lead!

Jochen Mass the clear leader,

with everybody else making the decision

to change tires after just one lap of this race.

He's coming in! Come on, let's go!

See? I told you to go on slicks.

You should have taken my advice.

Fuck off. Where's Niki?

CALDWELL: Behind you. He made the same mistake.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

Come on!

(CLATTERING)

Come on! What's going on?

The tire-changing frenzy has caused

a huge reshuffling of the pack,

with Jochen Mass in the lead now.

-CREWMAN: You're clear. Go! -(ENGINE REVVS)

Lauda urging his mechanics to hurry.

(SHOUTING)

It's a disaster! Come on!

(TIRES SCREECH)

What's going on, asshole?

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ENGINE REVVING)

This race has gone wrong for him so far.

His championship rival, James Hunt, is a long way up the road.

(WHISTLING)

COMMENTATOR: Lauda passing car after car.

He's just going past Mario Andretti's Lotus there.

(ENGINE REVVING)

(TIRES SCREECHING)

(GROANS)

Niki!

(COUGHING)

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

Get me out! Help me!

ANNOUNCER: Several cars are involved.

Looks like it might be one of the Ferraris.

(RADIO ANNOUNCER SPEAKING GERMAN)

-(GROANS) -DRIVER 1: Come this way.

DRIVER 2: Come on, come on, come on!

(NIKI GROANING IN PAIN)

(GASPING)

(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)

DRIVER: Keep trying.

-DRIVER 1: Come this way. -DRIVER 2: Okay.

(RADIO ANNOUNCER SPEAKING GERMAN)

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

(GASPING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(PRIEST SPEAKING GERMAN)

(WHEEZING)

(ECG BEEPS)

REPORTER: The flood, which swept down Big Thompson Canyon in Colorado,

was the worst since records began.

In Formula One today, victory celebrations were muted

after a horrific accident involving World Champion Niki Lauda.

Due to safety concerns before the race,

the Austrian had said he would not take part,

but in the end, he did.

He was making up for lost time when he went off the track,

puncturing the Ferrari's fuel tank.

Brett Lunger was unable to avoid the flaming wreck,

but was unhurt and joined with the other drivers to rescue Lauda,

who was taken to Mannheim Hospital with severe burns,

the incident reminding us again of the dangers of Formula One.

Niki Lauda was trapped for almost a minute

in a searing inferno of 800-plus degrees.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(ECG BEEPING)

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

(MAN SPEAKING GERMAN)

(NIKI WHIMPERING)

(GROANING)

(GRUNTING)

(NIKI GROANING IN AGONY)

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(MAN SPEAKING GERMAN)

(CHOKING)

(GROANING)

(CONTINUES SPEAKING GERMAN)

(GROANING)

(COUGHING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

(GROANS)

(GROANING)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(GROANING)

(INDISTINCT TALKING)

-JAMES: Morning, chaps. -MAYER: Hey, here's the man.

Looking good.

(TALKING INDISTINCTLY)

-JAMES: What's going on? -CALDWELL: Jesus. It's Niki.

What about him?

He's here.

-What? -He's racing.

(INDISTINCT TALKING)

Niki.

It's that bad, huh?

No.

In hospital I asked them straight, no bullshit,

how bad my appearance would be.

They said with time it would be fine.

But it won't.

I can tell, seeing your reaction.

I will spend the rest of my life

with a face that frightens people.

You know, Niki, I tried to write you

a letter at the time, to apologize.

The drivers' meeting in Germany, before the race.

I swayed the room.

Yes, you did.

That race should never have gone ahead.

No, it shouldn't.

So in many ways, I feel responsible for what happened and...

You were.

But trust me,

watching you win those races while I was fighting for my life,

you were equally responsible for getting me back in the car.

(INDISTINCT MURMURING)

(CAMERA CLICKING)

How are you feeling, Niki?

Fine.

Niki, can you confirm to us exactly which procedures you've had

and the expectations for your recovery?

Sure.

I had a skin graft operation where they put half my right thigh in my face.

Now, it doesn't look too good,

but one unexpected advantage is

it's impossible to perspire through a skin graft,

so sweat will never run into my eyes again, which is good for a driver.

(LAUGHING)

When they heard about your condition,

Ferrari immediately hired a replacement driver, Carlos Reutemann.

Yeah, before even reaching the hospital.

MAN: Is Reutemann driving today, too?

Yes, and keen to make an impression.

So let's see where Mr. Reutemann finishes and where I finish today.

(CROWD CHUCKLING)

James Hunt and McLaren have caught up a lot while you were away.

Yes.

So is there a question now or are you just trying to piss me off?

(LAUGHING)

You still think you can win?

Yes, of course.

I have the better car.

And possibly I'm the better driver.

But he's a clever guy and he's used his time well

while I was lying half-dead in hospital to win some points.

(LIGHT CHUCKLING)

And what did your wife say when she saw your face?

She said, "Sweetie, you don't need a face to drive.

"You just need a right foot."

(CROWD CHUCKLING)

BRITISH JOURNALIST: I'm being serious.

Do you really think your marriage can survive with the way you look now?

And I'm being serious, too.

Fuck you. Press conference over.

(INDISTINCT MURMURS)

JOURNALIST: That was hairy.

MAN: You know how to get noticed, Clive, I'll tell you that.

I thought it went well, to be honest.

They don't like it when it's not going their way.

-Clive. -That's the game.

See you.

See you later.

-James, are you all right? -Good, yeah.

Listen, I think I've got something for you

on that last question, about Niki.

You heard about that? Did you see...

(CHUCKLES)

James.

(GRUNTING)

Please, James...

Now go home to your wife and ask her how you look.

Prick.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(COMMENTATOR SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(DOOR OPENS)

(SPEAKS ITALIAN)

So Niki Lauda, just 42 days after

his near-fatal accident at Nürburgring,

will race here today at Monza

against all medical advice and no doubt in incredible pain.

(CONTINUES SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(CROWD CHEERING)

MECHANIC: Niki, it's time.

Okay?

(ENGINES REVVING)

ANNOUNCER: Please clear the grid.

One minute to go.

(ENGINE REVVING)

(ENGINE ROARING)

(COMMENTATOR 1 SPEAKING ITALIAN)

COMMENTATOR 2: The returning Niki Lauda seems overwhelmed.

He's being overtaken by car after car.

(COMMENTATOR 1 SPEAKING ITALIAN)

COMMENTATOR 2: Lauda's off line. He runs wide onto the grass.

He wrestles it back onto the track,

but that was a bad moment for Niki.

Niki Lauda's the reigning World Champion,

but maybe in his current state, he's a danger out there

to himself and to the rest of the field.

And Stuck has collided with Mario Andretti's Lotus!

Niki's boxed in. He's got nowhere to go.

(COMMENTATOR 1 SPEAKING ITALIAN)

COMMENTATOR 2: Niki Lauda is actually making a move. He's on Brambilla's tail.

He pulls out of the slipstream to overtake.

Lauda's starting to find the form

that early in this race we believed he'd lost.

Lauda's now lapping faster than Reutemann and closing the gap ahead.

Lauda closing on Carlos Reutemann,

the man called in to be his replacement in the Ferrari team.

And there's James Hunt's McLaren,

smoking stationary by the side of the road.

This is bad news for Hunt's championship hopes.

It's Ronnie Peterson who comes home the winner here at Monza.

But all eyes are on the man who finishes a brilliant fourth!

Niki Lauda!

(CROWD CHEERING)

(COMMENTATOR 1 SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

STIRLING: What a race, what a man, what a season.

With a fourth-place finish and three priceless points,

it means that Niki Lauda is a major step closer

to retaining the World Championship.

(THUNDER CRACKING)

COMMENTATOR: So the long, grueling and incredibly dramatic season

comes down to this final race in Japan in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Niki Lauda goes into this deciding race at Fuji

just three points ahead of James Hunt,

Hunt knowing he must beat the Austrian

fair and square to take the title.

James, do you think you can cope with the pressure?

Well, I've never really understood what that means.

I love my job.

I love competing. I love racing.

Maybe you should ask Niki.

He's the World Champion. He's got everything to lose.

Mr. Lauda, are you feeling pressure?

Do I look like I'm feeling pressure?

I am World Champion

and on the verge to become World Champion again.

Hunt now has the opportunity to win,

but it's not so easy to become a champion.

You have to really believe it to make it possible.

(CHUCKLES)

James, is there anything you'd like to add?

If Niki is being tricky and getting a kicky out of playing mind games...

(CHUCKLING)

...then fine, I'm flattered.

But the fact is momentum is with me. I've never felt better.

And I fully expect the next press conference we will have

will be with me as World Champion.

(REPORTERS CLAMORING)

Intermittent heavy rain has been forecast here at Fuji today,

along with strong winds and occasional fog rolling in from the mountain.

And so with today's Japanese Grand Prix

to come, Lauda's lead a mere three points.

What a way to finish the season.

Hunt or Lauda?

Well, the final chapter will unfold when we bring you extended coverage...

They've got to cancel the race. It's lethal out there.

The race is going ahead.

Television rights have been sold all around the world.

The showdown between you and Niki is all anyone wants to see.

COMMENTATOR: With heavy rain continuing to fall here at Fuji,

a decision has finally been made.

The 1976 Japanese Grand Prix will go ahead.

ANNOUNCER: All drivers to your cars, please.

(SIGHS)

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING JAPANESE)

Five minutes to go.

(RETCHING)

(EXHALES)

(DISTANT WHISTLE BLOWING)

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING JAPANESE)

(WHISTLE BLOWING)

(CONTINUES SPEAKING JAPANESE)

(MECHANIC SPEAKING ITALIAN)

-CALDWELL: All right? -JAMES: All right.

-Hold still. -What the hell are you doing?

To let the condensation out.

It'll also let the water in.

Not if you're leading.

Trust me, this race is all about the start.

TEDDY: Need a hand here?

CALDWELL: Yeah, hold it, Teddy.

Okay, start the bastard.

(ENGINE STARTING)

Good luck, kid.

TEDDY: Good luck, James.

(MAN WHISTLING)

(ENGINE REVVING)

(INDISTINCT TALKING)

ANNOUNCER: Thirty seconds to go.

(ENGINES REVVING)

(ALL CARS REVVING)

COMMENTATOR: Electric tension here at Fuji.

Eighty-thousand bedraggled race fans

and the racing grudge match of the decade.

And there's Mario Andretti in pole position, James Hunt alongside him.

On row two of the grid, there is Niki Lauda,

and on row three of the grid, Jody Scheckter

from South Africa in the six-wheel Tyrrell.

Behind him, the rest of the 25-car field.

(INDISTINCT YELLING)

There's the flag and finally the Japanese Grand Prix is underway!

(ANNOUNCER SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

(CROWD CHEERING)

In these conditions, it must be almost impossible

to drive a 450-horsepower car.

And it's Andretti who has the lead, but Hunt is attacking.

Hunt's going round the outside of Andretti.

Niki Lauda following him through.

Hunt leads into the first right-hander.

(INDISTINCT COMMENTARY)

(SPEAKING JAPANESE)

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

COMMENTATOR: Hunt comes through to complete his first lap, leading the field.

At least he has clear vision in front of him.

Niki Lauda, behind him, eating his spray.

Lauda is slowing.

Niki Lauda is bringing the Ferrari number one into the pit.

(SPEAKING JAPANESE)

Some sort of problem, we can't imagine what, so early in the race.

MECHANIC: What's wrong with the car? What's wrong with the car?

Niki, what's wrong with the car?

Nothing. Car's perfect.

(MECHANIC SPEAKS ITALIAN)

What are you doing?

I'm stopping.

COMMENTATOR: His mechanics are asking what the problem is.

But wait! Niki Lauda's getting out of the car!

This is sensational!

The reigning World Champion, Niki Lauda, is out of this race.

-It's too dangerous. -(SPEAKS ITALIAN)

Niki, you want me to say there was

a problem with the car, for the media?

No.

Tell them the truth.

COMMENTATOR: Now, what is happening?

They're talking to the team manager.

Lauda explaining something.

With Lauda out, James Hunt knows

he has to finish this race in third place

or higher to be World Champion.

But the job's not done yet for James Hunt.

In these dreadful conditions, he still has to go the distance.

Fifteen laps to go here at Fuji. James Hunt or Niki Lauda?

This extraordinary season is not over yet.

In this treacherous final round, can James Hunt hang on?

And the scoreboard tells a story. Lap 58.

Hunt in the lead.

Oh, God, his tires, they're blistering.

Brambilla very close behind now,

closing on him all the time now.

And he's trying to drive inside James Hunt.

Hunt cuts across the orange March nose.

Hunt's not having that at all. And he's spinning.

He missed Hunt, but almost took James Hunt out of the race

and out of the World Championship.

Now we find Mario Andretti closing on James Hunt.

Mario Andretti's going past Hunt!

Hunt is slowing. James Hunt seems to have a problem.

Despite these wet conditions,

these wet-weather tires do wear extremely fast.

Hunt's tires, they've gone.

Hunt nursing his car back to the pit stop.

That back marker's going past Hunt.

Look at that left front tire, right front tire, sorry.

No tread on it at all. And the other one is flat.

JAMES: Let's go! Let's go!

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

(JAMES GRUNTS)

Okay? When did you break your gear lever?

Nine or 10 laps ago.

We need to lift it. Alistair, we need to lift it!

Come on!

-MECHANIC: At the front. -JAMES: Let's go.

COMMENTATOR: Regazzoni's Ferrari and Jacques Laffite in the Ligier have gone ahead.

Come on, hurry!

MECHANIC: You did it. You're going to be World Champion!

Not yet.

COMMENTATOR: A few laps ago, James Hunt was looking like champion-elect.

Now it looks as though it's all gone wrong for him.

-James. -Come on!

-Listen. -What?

Just go easy out there.

What are you saying?

I'm saying look after yourself.

We want you back in one piece.

You're too far back. There's too many drivers in front of you.

There's always next year.

So that's it? It's over?

MECHANIC: Clear!

CALDWELL: Okay.

(ENGINE REVVING)

MECHANIC: Clear!

Fuck it!

James Hunt rejoins the race in sixth position.

There are four laps left to go.

Surely no way back for the Brit now.

Concentrate, Superstar.

COMMENTATOR 1: Just brings it back under control.

Sliding the McLaren on the very edge there.

COMMENTATOR 2: Hunt's M23 twitching this way and that under braking.

And he almost loses it right there.

COMMENTATOR 1: Hunt on the tail of Jacques Laffite in the blue Ligier.

Oh, don't do it, James.

COMMENTATOR 1: He's inches away from the pit wall.

He's inches away from the Ligier.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

James Hunt has made up another place,

but it's not enough and this race is running out.

And Watson has spun. Watson has spun.

Hunt manages to weave his way between

that back marker and the stationary Penske.

He's catching Regazzoni, but in these conditions,

it's one thing to catch up, it's quite another to overtake.

He's alongside Clay Regazzoni.

This could be the world championship.

He's got him!

(SPEAKING JAPANESE)

Hunt crosses the line.

Now he needed to finish third to score

enough points to be World Champion,

and in the confusion here,

we're being told that he may have finished fifth.

He finished fifth?

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

COMMENTATOR 1: Our lap charts show Hunt in third place.

Well, if the scoreboard's right,

it means he's just missed out on the championship.

Crushing defeat for Hunt after such a heroic drive.

I can see the race stewards conferring,

examining the official lap charts.

We're just going to have to wait for their verdict here.

(SPEAKING ITALIAN)

TEDDY: Let's get you out of there, buddy.

I'm sorry, Teddy. I'm sorry. I thought I could make up the ground.

"Sorry"? What are you talking about? You did it.

Did what?

Oh, Jesus. You crazy bastard.

You came third. You got the points. You're champion of the world!

COMMENTATOR: James Hunt is now officially confirmed

as finishing third here in Japan,

and that means he is champion of the world.

(CROWD CHEERING)

COMMENTATOR 2: Our new World Champion, James Hunt,

by just one single point.

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(YELLS)

World bloody Champion!

STIRLING: Tell us, James, what are you going to do now?

I shall be getting drunk.

(LAUGHS)

JAMES: It's wonderful, absolute dream.

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

(SPEAKING GERMAN)

TV SHOW HOST: And our special guest,

Formula One champion James Hunt.

(APPLAUDING)

(POP ROCK MUSIC PLAYING)

Wait. Come on.

There's no better motor oil than Havoline.

(LIGHTER CLICKING)

(LAUGHING)

WOMAN: Yes, me, too. Where are we going?

Anywhere I want to go.

And I don't have to hijack it, either. As long as I pay for it.

WOMAN: I'm starving. Let's get some food.

Whoo!

WOMAN: Where are we going?

JAMES: You lot go ahead. I won't be a minute.

Niki.

Good to see you.

I heard you were spending more and more time in one of these.

Do you fly?

(CHUCKLES) No.

I don't think they'd insure me.

You should try. It's good for discipline.

You have to stay within the rules,

stick to regulations, suppress the ego.

It helps with the racing.

And there I was thinking you were about

to wax lyrical about the romance of flight.

No, that's all bullshit.

So what brings you here?

A friend's wedding. At least I think it was a wedding.

Might have been a birthday or something. It's all a bit of a blur.

How about you? Have you been at Fiorano?

Pre-season testing.

-You're relentless. -Thank you.

I'm not sure that was meant as a compliment.

When do you start testing? Next week?

No. What, are you nuts?

I didn't just win the biggest thing of my life

so I could get right back to work.

Why? You have to.

To prove to all the people who will always say you just won it because...

Because of what? Because of your accident?

Niki, is that other people or is that you?

I won, okay? On the all-important day when it came down to it,

we raced on equal terms, equally good cars.

And I put my life on the line and I saw it through.

-And you call that winning? -Yes.

The risks were totally unacceptable.

(SIGHS)

You were prepared to die. To me, that's losing.

Yes, I was. I admit it. I was prepared to die to beat you that day.

And that's the effect you have on me.

(CHUCKLES)

You'd pushed me that far. And it felt great.

I mean, hell, isn't that what we're in this for?

To stare death in the face and to cheat it?

Come on, there's nobility in that. It's like being knights.

(LAUGHS) You English, you're such assholes.

You know my position.

20% risk.

No, no, no, Niki, don't bring the percentages into this.

Don't be a pro.

The minute you do that, you kill what's good about this.

You kill the sport.

MAN: James!

James!

I've got to go.

Careful in this thing.

James.

You know, in hospital, the toughest part of my treatment was the vacuum.

Pumping the shit out of my lungs. It was hell.

And while doing it, I was watching television.

You winning all my points.

Your points?

"That bastard, Hunt," I would say. "I hate that guy."

And then one day, the doctor came and said,

"Mr. Lauda, may I offer a piece of advice?

"Stop thinking of it as a curse

"to have been given an enemy in life.

"It can be a blessing, too.

"A wise man gets more from his enemies than a fool from his friends."

And you know what? He was right.

Now look at us.

We were both a pair of kids when we met.

Hot-headed jerks in Formula Three.

(CHUCKLES)

Disowned by our families. Headed nowhere.

And now we're both champions of the world.

It was not bad, huh?

No, it's not bad.

So don't let me down now. I need you busting my balls.

Get back to work.

(CHUCKLES) I will, Niki, I will.

But I intend to enjoy myself first.

Some of life needs to be for pleasure.

What's the point of having a million cups

and medals and planes if you don't have any fun?

Now how is that winning?

-MAN: James! -WOMAN: We're gonna leave without you!

James!

I'll see you on race day, champ.

You will, champ.

You look good, Niki.

The only guy to have his face burnt off and it be an improvement.

NIKI: Of course, he didn't listen to me.

For James, one world title was enough.

He had proved what he needed to prove,

to himself and anyone who doubted him.

And two years later, he retired.

When I saw him next in London seven years later,

me as champion again, him as broadcaster,

he was barefoot on a bicycle with a flat tire.

Still living each day like his last.

When I heard he'd died, aged 45, of a heart attack, I wasn't surprised.

I was just sad.

People always think of us as rivals,

but he was among the very few I liked

and even fewer that I respected.

He remains the only person I envied.