Throughout the film, the four racers - Pete Aron, Scott Stoddard, Jean-Pierre Sarti, and Nino Barlini - engage in intense and cutthroat competition on the track, pushing themselves to their limits in order to win races and ultimately claim the championship title.
Pete Aron (played by James Garner) is a talented but reckless American driver who has been fired from his previous team after causing a crash that injured his teammate Scott Stoddard (played by Brian Bedford). Determined to redeem himself and prove his worth as a racer, Aron joins a new team led by the ambitious and calculating Japanese team manager Izo Yamura (played by Toshiro Mifune).
Scott Stoddard, the injured driver, struggles to recover from his injuries and regain his competitive edge on the track. He is haunted by the memory of the crash and the guilt of blaming Aron for his accident.
Jean-Pierre Sarti (played by Yves Montand) is a seasoned French driver who is facing the pressure of defending his title as the reigning world champion. As he competes against the younger and more aggressive Aron, Sarti must confront his own mortality and the reality of aging in a sport that demands speed and agility.
Nino Barlini (played by Antonio Sabàto) is a charismatic Italian driver who is determined to prove himself as a worthy contender for the championship. Despite his talent and charm, Barlini struggles with personal demons and a self-destructive streak that threatens to derail his racing career.
As the season progresses and the stakes get higher, the four racers find themselves caught in a web of rivalry, betrayal, and personal turmoil. Their journey to the final race in Monza, Italy is filled with triumphs and tragedies, culminating in a thrilling and heart-pounding showdown on the track. Ultimately, only one driver will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title of world champion.