Wolf's former driver Jody Scheckter left the team at the end of , going to Ferrari, where he would win the World Championship. He was replaced by 1976 champion James Hunt. When it was found that Hunt was unable to fit into the Wolf WR5/6 chassis, a new car had to be built in a haste prior to the season opener in Argentina.
Jody Scheckter, who was Wolf's former driver, departed from the team at the end of , moving to Ferrari where he would win the World Championship. He was substituted by 1976 champion James Hunt. When it was discovered that Hunt could not fit into the Wolf WR5/6 chassis, a new car had to be constructed urgently for the season opener in Argentina.