F1 legend Murray Walker is a hero for the ages, says Freddie Hunt ahead of special tribute to commentary icon
MURRAY WALKER will remain a Formula One hero for the ages, says the son of perhaps his most unlikely companion. The cool and concise former world champion James Hunt formed a legendary commentary duo with the enthusiastically breathless fan favourite Walker throughout the 1980s. Memories of their iconic escapades, and rocky start, were brought back […]
MURRAY WALKER will remain a Formula One hero for the ages, says the son of perhaps his most unlikely companion.
The cool and concise former world champion James Hunt formed a legendary commentary duo with the enthusiastically breathless fan favourite Walker throughout the 1980s.
Memories of their iconic escapades, and rocky start, were brought back when Murray passed away at the age of 97 earlier this year.
On Sunday, F1 will remember one of its own with a touching tribute on the British Grand Prix winners’ trophy.
And Freddie Hunt, one of two sons of James – who died of a heart attack in 1993 – is comforted that both men are well remembered by the sport and its fans.
Speaking to SunSport at an event promoting the official F1 Fragrances Collection, Hunt recalled: “Murray and dad were good friends – I don’t think they were straight away!
“They had a bit of beef to sort out, but they had a long lasting relationship.
“Murray had one hell of an innings and did wondrous things for the sport, he’s very missed.
“When I was a kid he was ‘Dad’s mate’ but it became a very friendly relationship.
“We did one interview at Silverstone a few years ago and it was actually very emotional for both of us.”
The current F1 grid contains a number of sons of famous drivers, from Mick Schumacher to Max Verstappen.
And Hunt is in awe of their ability to carry the pressure of their iconic names having struggled to get his own racing career off the ground.
The early years of my career, because of the pressure I put on myself, I had to figure out that there is such a thing as caring too much.
Freddie Hunt
He added: “I’ve experienced it myself, it’s not easy.
“A lot of comparisons, a lot of people looking at you with great expectations… They’ve done a marvellous job.
“I think we all deal with pressure in different ways. Some people go quicker under pressure, I’m not one for pressure myself.
“The early years of my motorsport career, because of the pressure I put on myself, it took me a while to figure out to try not to care. There is such a thing as caring too much.
“After I had taken a step back from being a professional, I was invited to a race in 2012 and I was really good.
“The difference was I didn’t consider myself a professional therefore I didn’t put pressure on myself.
“So now I’ve come back as a professional, I need to get myself in that mindset again and with the benefit of maturity I’m able to do that.”
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Hunt helped promote the F1 Fragrances range at Silverstone and, with flowing blonde hair and chiselled features, is like his dad in being a natural in front of the camera.
He explained: “They’ve come up with five different scents, and they’re all designed to hit on a certain aspect of the sport. Whether it’s the courage, the fear, the ferocity…
“They’ve captured it in a really good way and done a wonderful job. I’m not normally one for fragrances and I really like it.”
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