On a wet, 14-mile monster of a track (no chicanes, just trees and Armco), Lauda’s Ferrari slammed into an embankment, burst into flames, and was hit by another car. Fellow drivers—including Hunt—pulled him from the inferno. Lauda inhaled toxic fumes, suffered third-degree burns on his face and scalp, and his blood was poisoned. Last rites were read.
James Hunt: 69 points. Niki Lauda: 68 points. World Champion by one point. 1976 formula 1 season
Despite their public rivalry, the two were actually close friends who had risen through the junior ranks together. On a wet, 14-mile monster of a track