Top 5 rivalries in the history of Formula 1

#2 Niki Lauda (Ferrari) and James Hunt (McLaren)

Niki Lauda was regarded as one of the best drivers ever in the history of Formula 1. He was going from strength to strength in the 70s until the famous Nurburgring crash in Germany. James Hunt and Niki Lauda had a rivalry both professionally and personally.

James Hunt started racing for Hesketh in 1973, and Lauda started with Ferrari in 1974. The Austrian had a much-advanced engine than Hunt, which made him take the lead in the Drivers' Championship in 74'. Lauda ended the season in 4th place.

Hunt and Lauda both started the season in 1975 strongly. While Lauda's engine was great and smooth, Hunt was having repeated problems with the Hesketh engine. The Austrian was the World Champion in 1975 and, the Englishman finished 4th that year.

1976 was the turning point for both these drivers. Lauda continued to race with Ferrari and, Hunt signed with McLaren. Both were driving really good cars and were going neck to neck until the German Grand Prix in Nurburgring. The weather conditions made the circuit very unsafe for a race so, Lauda urged other drivers to boycott the race. The race continued and Lauda was involved in a life-threatening crash, keeping him out of action for 6 weeks and, had to undergo severe treatments.

Lauda, who until that point in time was leading the Drivers' Championship, saw James Hunt overtake him while Lauda was undergoing treatment in the hospital. According to Niki Lauda, the competition between him and Hunt was what motivated him to make a comeback as soon as possible.

Even after returning after 6 weeks, Lauda could not overtake Hunt in the race for the Championship, and the Englishman became the World Champion in 1976. James Hunt retired after the win. Niki Lauda won another Championship in 1977 and retired.

Lauda came back from retirement in 1982 and, joined McLaren. He won his 3rd World Championship in 1984.

Edited by Kishan Prasad