Bonnier and BRM's winning day in Zandvoort

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On this day in 1959, after many years of trying, the British BRM team finally won its first F1 Grand Prix, courtesy of Jo Bonnier's victory at Zandvoort.

The Swede, for whom it was also an F1 first, and his only Grand Prix victory, was delivered a huge break when race leader Stirling Moss retired with a gearbox failure just 13 laps from the checkered flag.

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.