During the 1977 Canadian Grand Prix at Mosport Park, James Hunt punched track marshal Ernie Strong in a fit of rage after a collision with his teammate. The incident became one of the most infamous examples of Hunt’s volatile temperament.
On lap 62, while battling Mario Andretti for the lead, Hunt attempted to lap his McLaren teammate, Jochen Mass. A misunderstanding led to a high-speed collision that knocked both cars off the track. While Mass was able to continue, Hunt was forced to retire. Seething with frustration, he remained at the trackside waving his fist at Mass for several laps.
When marshal Ernie Strong attempted to intervene and guide Hunt to a safer area away from the live track, Hunt reacted by landing a “crisp right hand” that knocked the marshal to the ground. Almost immediately after the strike, Hunt realized his error, helped Strong to his feet, and apologized while being led away.
The race stewards took immediate action against Hunt for his conduct. Hunt was fined $2,000 for the assault on the marshal and an additional $750 for returning to the pit lane in an “unsafe manner” by walking on the racing side of the barriers. Strong eventually sued Hunt over the incident.
The footage remains a staple of F1 “wildest moments” reels, perfectly capturing the volatile, rock-star persona that made Hunt both beloved and polarizing.
“I was just so angry... It was a complete misunderstanding, but at that moment, I just lost it.” – James Hunt, reflecting on the incident.
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