The Hesketh 308 B, the car that propelled James Hunt to his first Formula 1 victory, is making a triumphant return to the Zandvoort circuit. In 1975, Hunt drove this pristine white vehicle to victory during the Dutch GP. At the Historic Grand Prix of 2024 – nearly 50 years after its first and only victory – the Hesketh will once again take to the track.
The Hesketh 308 B will return to the Zandvoort circuit on June 22 during the Historic Grand Prix. Here, the most beautiful Formula 1 cars of yesteryears will once again grace the Dutch battlefield. The 308 B will also make its appearance – the car is now in the hands of GPX Historic, a team specializing in the maintenance of classic racing cars.
James Hunt: A Legend Behind the Wheel
The original driver – James Hunt – was one of the most eccentric world champions Formula 1 has ever known. He debuted in 1973 with Hesketh, a small team founded by the wealthy Lord Alexander Hesketh. In 1975, Hunt was at the helm of the 308 B. The car couldn’t really compete with the Ferraris and McLarens of that time, but heavy rainfall at Zandvoort led to surprises.
Hunt started from P3, but managed to overtake his rivals Niki Lauda and Clay Regazzoni. It was the first victory for the flamboyant driver. After 1975, Hesketh was dissolved and Hunt made the switch to McLaren. In the 1976 season, he won his first world championship with the British team.
