British Grand Prix 1976: How a condom manufacturer forced F1 off TV
www.bbc.com
How one of the greatest Formula 1 seasons was almost entirely kept off TV in the United Kingdom because of a condom sponsorship.

It was arguably the most famous season in Formula 1 history, featuring thrilling racing, off-track controversies and the near-death of the sport’s most famous driver, Niki Lauda, as he battled James Hunt for the world championship.

Through the long, hot summer of 1976 Hunt’s attempt to claw back a huge points deficit to reigning champion Lauda was big news in Britain.

The season was so dramatic it inspired director Ron Howard to make the 2013 film Rush.

However, almost the entire season - including the British Grand Prix - was not broadcast on television in the UK because one of the cars was sponsored by a condom manufacturer.

  • Plopp@lemmy.worldEnglish
    941·
    9 months ago

    My god, imagine if someone had seen it! Pearls would have been clutched. Gasps would have been heard. And from then on people would have been sex crazed psychopaths, doing nothing but having sex, leading to the collapse of the UK forever. Good grief!

    • Maeve@kbin.social
      102·
      9 months ago

      Completely unlike the monarchy of course! God save the queen! Oh, it’s king, now.

  • Son_of_dad@lemmy.worldEnglish
    271·
    9 months ago

    Can we take a minute to thank condom makers for literally saving lives, and helping to avoid a bigger increase in birth rates

  • swearengen@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    61·
    9 months ago

    Ironically this is how dogging got started.

    People had no entertainment that summer and took to the car parks to make their own.

  • townfox@lemm.eeEnglish
    53·
    9 months ago

    Legitimately saw the picture and assumed she was jerking him off.