RUSH (2013) Universal Pictures, StudioCanal, Universum Film, Buena Vista International, Exclusive Media, 123 minutes.

Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title (2004) Duke Video/Brunswick Films Ltd., 52 minutes.

This year (2026) marks the 50^th anniversary of one of the most intense and celebrated Formula 1 Championship battles, pitting James Hunt (McLaren) versus defending F1 Champion, Niki Lauda (Ferrari). So, for the month of July, I’ve chosen another double feature, Rush (a Ron Howard film), and the 1976 season review, Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title.

Rush was directed by Ron Howard, and starred Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt, and Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda. This is a wonderful depiction of the F1 scene in the 1970’s. The movie portrays the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda, but also clearly defined their two different personalities and approach to racing. This era of Formula 1 cars is my favorite, mainly from the aesthetic point of view. The 70’s had a wide range of beautiful cars, each having an individual and unique look to their design. Ron Howard’s filmmaking approach for this film incorporated a technique that features a natural look of warm and earthy tones, with a soft texture/focus quality. You really feel the era of the 70’s. Also, with the growth and renaissance of historic auto racing worldwide, there were plenty of actual F1 cars available from the 1976 season, and even more highly talented drivers eager to participate in the film. Topping it off, Hans Zimmer provided a musical score that fit the mood perfectly.

As the season unfolded, Lauda held a commanding lead in points, having dominated the first half of the schedule. Then came the German Grand Prix at the 14.189 mile Nürburgring/Nordschleife racetrack in the Eifel mountains. Heavy rain made an already dangerous track even more threatening to the drivers. Niki Lauda tried to get the race canceled in the drivers meeting, but was overruled, led by Hunt, who was second in the point standings. In one of the most horrific accidents in Formula 1 history, Niki Lauda suffered tremendous burns to his face and lungs in a fiery crash. He missed the next two races (the Austrian and Dutch GP’s) on the calendar, before making a courageous return a month later at the Italian Grand Prix.

One of the most powerful scenes is when Hunt meets Lauda at Monza in the paddock. It’s Lauda’s first attempt at racing after a long and painful hospitalization and recovery. Hunt is stunned that he’s there, planning to drive. And is equally stunned by Lauda’s appearance. He apologizes for not supporting Lauda in his attempt to cancel the German Grand Prix, due to the dangerous track conditions in the wet. Hunt said he was responsible for his accident. Lauda agrees, but adds that watching Hunt win races while he fought for his life is equally responsible for getting him back in the car. Hunt is left speechless. The season-long title fight boiled down to the final race in Japan. As fate would have it, torrential rain made track conditions even more treacherous than in Germany. After two laps, Lauda made the brave and sensible decision to park his car due to the absolute lack of visibility. After everything he’d been through, he chose safety, and the chance to fight another day. Hunt finished third and won the title by just one point (69-68). After the race, as Lauda and his wife are leaving in a helicopter she asked if he’s OK. He responded, I’m fine, no regrets, not one. Lauda went on to win his second Formula 1 Championship the following year in 1977.

Rush is my favorite racing movie focusing on Formula 1, mainly for its amazing portrayals of Hunt and Lauda, the authenticity and attention to detail with the cars, the racing culture, and the depiction of the 1970’s. It’s truly a great achievement in filmmaking.

I’ve also included Formula One 1976 – Hunt for the Title as a nice companion watch. It’s filled with wonderful racing footage, showcasing the exciting action and raw driving talent of every driver in the field. While watching the highlights it reminded me of the limitations there were for American Formula 1 fans at the time. Rarely were there ever live broadcasts, and most of us relied on taped replays of the Monaco Grand Prix, Italian Grand Prix, or British Grand Prix on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. I used to call our local newspaper (The Akron Beacon Journal), speak with the sports desk and ask for them to check the wire service teletype and read me the results. It was funny to hear some of them struggle with the pronunciation of many of the drivers’ names, such as, Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi, Patrick Depailler, Vittorio Brambilla, Arturo Merzario, to name a few. But my primary source for the most in-depth coverage was from reading the excellent race review articles in Road & Track and On Track magazines. Ahhh, the good times.

Enjoy the films.

TJ…2026

TJ – vintage & historic racing coverage

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