Moss bags maiden F1 podium at Spa

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

On this day in 1954, Stirling Moss finished third in the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, achieving his first Formula 1 podium driving a privately entered Maserati 250F.

The third of nine races in that year's world championship, it was only the 11th race appearance for Moss who had made his F1 debut in the 1951 Swiss round.

The great Brit trailed the Maserati of race winner Juan-Manuel Fangio and the Ferrari of runner-up Maurice Trintignant.

Just seven cars - half the number that lined up at the start - lasted the full race distance, with an unwell Mike Hawthorn swapping out mid-race in favour of José Froilán González.

Fangio would go on to win that year's title with 42 points, compared to 25.14 points for González. Things were very different back then...

The 1954 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. ©TheCahierArchive

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.