James Hunt is renowned for his lavish lifestyle, and the 1976 Formula 1 world champion didn’t let the pressure of the title race stop him from his scandalous adventures with women

James Hunt, Formula 1’s notorious playboy, is said to have slept with 33 British Airways flight attendants in just two weeks.

The Surrey-born driver was renowned for his lavish lifestyle off the track, even keeping up his partying antics in the week leading up to what was dubbed “the biggest race of his life”.

Despite his relatively short six years on the F1 circuit, Hunt was hailed as one of Britain’s greatest drivers, winning the 1976 world championship, beating the legendary Niki Lauda. Going into the final race in Japan, the title was still very much in contention.

However, the McLaren driver wasn’t as prepared as most. Instead, he continued with his usual debauchery, seemingly unfazed by the mounting pressure of the upcoming race.

Reports suggested that Hunt, known for his “huge sex drive”, invited British Airways flight attendants to his private suite at the Tokyo Hilton after they had been taken to reception for a 24-hour layover. On race day, Hunt’s libido seemed undiminished.

Patrick Head, co-founder of Williams F1 and then a young car designer, reportedly caught the McLaren driver getting intimate with a local in the garage.

Despite the unconventional preparations, Hunt finished third on the podium and won the 1976 championship. His post-race celebrations were, as one would expect, wild.

The British embassy held a ceremony to recognise the Briton’s heroics, but Hunt was reportedly almost refused entry because of his drunken state.

Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone booked Hunt’s flight home, leading to a 12-hour airborne party upon his return to London. As thousands of Britons gathered at the airport to welcome the racing star home, Hunt was spotted staggering off the plane, having “drunk on the plane”.

The world champion was greeted by his mother, long-term girlfriend Jane Birbeck and adoring fans. Birbeck was said to have been unaware of her partner’s antics during his week of partying in Tokyo.

Hunt was previously married to Suzy Miller, but their relationship soon fell apart – possibly due to the driver’s lifestyle – and they went through a messy divorce. Miller then began dating actor Richard Burton, who reportedly paid Hunt $1 million to settle his divorce from his new partner the same year as his world title win.