TIL A Car Sponsored by Durex Condoms Kept F1 off British TV for much of 1976
TIL A Car Sponsored by Durex Condoms Kept F1 off British TV for much of 1976
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.
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!
93Completely unlike the monarchy of course! God save the queen! Oh, it's king, now.
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People couldnt see the Grand Pricks because of the condoms. Dick move.
34Can we take a minute to thank condom makers for literally saving lives, and helping to avoid a bigger increase in birth rates
26Since it's mentioned in the article, the movie Rush is fantastic.
21Some very naughty people and THIS offends them? The horror.
17Silent and golden generation morals smh.
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Ironically this is how dogging got started.
People had no entertainment that summer and took to the car parks to make their own.
5Legitimately saw the picture and assumed she was jerking him off.
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