The first driver in Williams' forty year F1 history

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Williams will be celebrating four decades of Formula 1 this year. For Frank Williams and Patrick Head, it all started in May 1977 at the Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama with a March 761 driven by Patrick Nève.

Sadly the Belgian passed away yesterday at the age of 67, but he will forever go down in history as the first man to race for Williams Grand Prix Engineering, a milestone which has not been forgotten by the Grove-based outfit.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.