Formula One World Championship: The Fuji circuit leader board showing that on lap 71, with two laps to go, James Hunt (GBR) McLaren (#11) had dropped to 5th place after a late race puncture. In the next two laps Hunt overtook Clay Regazzoni (SUI) Ferrari (#2) and Alan Jones (AUS) Surtees (#19), and finished the race in third place and thereby winning the 1976 Formula One World Championship. Hunt, who needed to finish fourth or above to clinch the title, was unaware of his position and finished the race thinking that he had lost the championship. The race was won by Mario Andretti (USA), Lotus (#5). Japanese Grand Prix, Rd16, Fuji, Japan, 24 October 1976.
The Fuji circuit leader board showing that on lap 71, with two laps to go, James Hunt (GBR) McLaren (#11) had dropped to 5th place after a late race puncture. In the next two laps Hunt overtook Clay Regazzoni (SUI) Ferrari (#2) and Alan Jones (AUS) Surtees (#19), and finished the race in third place and thereby winning the 1976 Formula One World Championship. Hunt, who needed to finish fourth or above to clinch the title, was unaware of his position and finished the race thinking that he had lost the championship.
The race was won by Mario Andretti (USA), Lotus (#5).
Japanese Grand Prix, Rd16, Fuji, Japan, 24 October 1976.
