Sunday 28th March 1976

The first American Grand Prix was held at Long Beach, California, the first of two races held in the USA that year. The race was dominated by Clay Regazzoni who won from pole position and set the fastest lap in his Ferrari. The street circuit was hard on the cars and only five completed the 80 laps. On the third lap, James Hunt and Patrick Depailler, who were neck and neck in the drivers’ championship, collided; Hunt retired while Depailler recovered to take third. The two yelled at each other in the press conference after the race, Hunt accusing Depailler of “flagrant stupidity” before warning him to “watch it”. Depailler’s interpreter added to the row by telling Hunt he ought to “learn to drive alongside people who could”. Depailler tried to apologise but Hunt was having none of it and stormed off.