A life lesson from 70s formula one legends

Well, technically the lesson is from a 2013 film (RUSH) based on the fabulous story of two great GREAT Formula 1 heroes. Mclaren british racer James Hunt and Ferrari austrian racer Niki Lauda. I watched the movie a long time ago. That was before i got to trully appreciate a good movie, one that is based on a story rather than fancy special effects. Back in the days all i cared about was explosions and shiny laser guns and sword ( not referring to star wars it is a great movie too ). I had the chance to rewatch that movie once again lately ? And Damn. The acting was remarkable , the scenes were breath taking, you almost feel a connection with the actors and through them, with the racers and Formula 1 world as a whole... All in all it was a great movie.

But even greater was the story. One that was real, genuine and not cheesy ( like hollywood's ). Niki Lauda and James Hunt were great racers, great rivals and great friends but in an unusual manner. They both hated, loved and deeply respected each other.

Their story started as they were kids trying to make their way in the less glarious Formula 3. That's where they encountered each other for the first time and, being totally opposit individuals at everything. They weren't in love with each other. Niki was the incarnation of the german rigour. Everything he did was precalculated. He never took unnecessary risks. Don't get the wrong idea. He wasn't a coward. But,

James Hunt in the other hand, was driven by passion. He loved the game, and was ready to die for it. He was reckless. He stayed up late, partied a lot. He loved life and was the incarnation of the "work hard play hard" philosophy. He loved to take risks, and that payed off. The first time he was world champion was after he came 3rd in the Japan Grand Prix. Niki Lauda that was then the world champion abandonned the race because of the impossible heavy rains on that day.

Their story and rivality went on for several years after. each following his own philosphy, dancing in opposit edges. But the only thing the had in common other than their love and passion for speed, was that each one of them was the fuel that pushed the other one to overcome his own limits. They were rivals and friends. They were inspiration for one another.