Hamilton's memorable maiden Monaco win

40

Lewis Hamilton is gunning for his third Monaco win this weekend, but his first triumph in the glitzy Principality came on this day in 2008, after a fantastic drive.

The McLaren driver was on the back foot at the outset after hitting the barrier early on in the treacherous conditions.

However, a timely Safety Car period enabled the McLaren driver to pit to replace a tyre without losing too much time, and then stage a thundering comeback drive through the field, much to the chagrin of his runner-up rivals, Robert Kubica and Felipe Massa.

Hamilton's win that year was the first triumph of an Englishman since Graham Hill in 1969.

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.