The collision between Hulme and Pironi at the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix was not their first on-track incident.
The two had a history of tension and aggressive driving against each other.
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Hulme, the 1967 Formula One World Champion, was nearing the end of his career when the incident occurred.
Pironi, on the other hand, was an up-and-coming driver eager to make his mark.
Pironi was leading the race when Hulme's car hit the back of his Ferrari.
This was seen by many as an intentional move by the veteran Hulme to take out his younger rival.
The impact of the collision caused Hulme to lose control of his car and crash into the barriers.
Pironi was able to continue the race and finish in second place.
Hulme accused Pironi of brake-testing him prior to the collision, a tactic used to suddenly slow down and catch a pursuing driver off guard.
The incident highlighted the fierce competitiveness between the two drivers, who were both known for their aggressive and uncompromising racing styles.
Pironi had already established a reputation for being a ruthless and controversial driver, having previously been involved in a team orders controversy with his Ferrari teammate Gilles Villeneuve.
The collision sparked a heated debate within the Formula One community about the ethics of such aggressive driving and the potential consequences for the safety of the drivers.
Hulme, who was nearing retirement, was reportedly angered by Pironi's unwillingness to show respect for his more experienced rival.
The incident was a significant moment in the 1982 Formula One season, which saw Pironi emerge as a championship contender, eventually finishing second in the drivers' standings.
The rivalry between Hulme and Pironi was seen by many as a clash of generations, with the veteran Hulme representing the old guard of Formula One drivers and Pironi symbolizing the new, more aggressive breed.
The incident had lasting effects on both drivers' careers, with Hulme retiring from Formula One shortly after the 1982 season and Pironi's career being cut short by a tragic accident the following year.