Race and classic pictures

The passing of a legend on a dark morning in Hockenheim

Over five decades have gone by since the untimely and tragic death of Jim Clark on a damp and dark morning in Hockenheim on April 7, 1968.

In one fatal moment, the world of motorsport was rocked, astonished by the passing of a legend and a man many still consider as the greatest Grand Prix driver in history.

From his humble beginnings, Clark raced with speed and style to the pinnacle of the sport, clinching 25 Grand Prix wins with Lotus - a record at the time - and two world titles along the way.

One will remember in particular Clark's 1965 campaign as a banner year for the great Scot, a season marked by his second world championship crown and a resounding win in the Indy 500.

Fifty-two years on, his legacy remains intact...

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.

Recent Posts

Albon issues grim outlook on Williams’ Austrian chances

Williams’ hopes of using Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulations to reignite its fortunes are rapidly…

16 hours ago

Piers Courage: Frank Williams’ first F1 hope

Frank Williams and British motorsport mourned the loss on this day in 1970 of Piers…

17 hours ago

Former F1 driver Guy Edwards, who saved Niki Lauda, dies at 83

Guy Edwards, who competed in 11 Grand Prix events, and celebrated as much for his…

19 hours ago

McLaren ‘raised the bar’ in Barcelona as performance takes priority

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes the team’s disciplined approach and increased attention to detail…

20 hours ago

Perez banking on ‘big package’ in Austria to move Cadillac forward

Sergio Perez believes Cadillac could finally break into Formula 1’s fiercely competitive midfield battle, with…

22 hours ago

'It's everything': Krack admits Aston Martin’s problems run deep

The alarm bells are ringing louder than ever at Aston Martin. What was once billed…

23 hours ago