An American Formula One driver's career seems to be over when he is blamed for an accident that has left his British rival severely injured. He joins a Japanese team and begins planning his comeback, while also having an affair with the wife of the man he injured. Drama, starring James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Yves Montand and Toshiro Mifune.

The most daring drivers in the world have gathered to compete for the 1966 Formula One championship. After a spectacular wreck in the first of a series of races, American wheelman Pete Aron is dropped by his sponsor. Refusing to quit, he joins a Japanese racing team. While juggling his career with a torrid love affair involving an ex-teammate's wife, Pete must also contend with Jean-Pierre Sarti, a French contestant who has previously won two world titles.