A birthday salute to Sir Frank, F1's ultimate racer

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Formula 1's only active original team owner from a bygone era, Sir Frank Williams, turns 78-years-young today.

A fighter as well as a survivor, the massive battles - both personal and professional - Frank had to contend with in his lifetime have put him at the top of the F1 paddock's most admired list.

From the days of running his affairs from a telephone box to the glory years of Williams in the 1980s and 1990s, it was a rocky road from rags to riches.

And despite the tragedies and hardship, Sir Frank never lost his heart for racing, and for its absolute pinnacle, Formula 1.

Happy birthday to a true racer!

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.