A salute to F1's most gifted rebel

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James Hunt sadly left us 31 years ago today but the memories of F1's gifted rebel and 1976 world champion live on.

An emblematic figure of a by-gone era in the sport, Hunt won his first Grand Prix at Zandvoort in 1975 with Hesketh after a huge battle with Ferrari's Niki Lauda.

A free spirit, who conquered the world championship in 1976 with McLaren, Hunt abruptly walked away from F1 after an uncompetitive run with Wolf in the Monaco Grand Prix in 1979.

After his death in 1993, it emerged that James had allocated funds in his will for all his closest friends to enjoy one last, joyous party.

He’d even included specific instructions to ensure that everybody would be dressed casually, and would have a good time.

Because that was who James was !

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.