Race and classic pictures

Once F1's youngest charger, but a career that never took off

Mike Thackwell, the last Kiwi to race in Formula 1 before Brendon Hartley came along at the end of 2017, turns 63 today.

When he popped up on the scene, Mike was heralded as one of the greatest talents of his generation.

Although his skills were never up for debate, a non-conforming attitude towards the sport was perhaps partly responsible for a career in F1 that just never blossomed.

Before the current crop of teenage drivers came along, Thackwell actually held the record as the youngest driver to start an F1 Grand Prix.

A free spirit, Mike lives on the southern shores of Great-Britain where teaching and surfing are now his everyday life.

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.