Race and classic pictures

Hamilton's first winning smirk with Merc

Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian GP on this day in 2013, collecting his very first win for his new employer, Mercedes-Benz.

The Brit was set to launch from pole for the fourth time of the year, but going into the race he was relatively pessimistic over his chances of winning given how high temperatures would likely exacerbate Mercedes' long-standing tyre wear woes.

However when it came down to it, there were no significant signs of degradation for Ham's W04 as its driver controlled events from the front to deliver a resounding win.

Ultimately, the triumph also vindicated Hamilton's choice to join Mercedes after six years with McLaren, his surrogate family.

Over the following nine years, Hamilton would add 81 wins and six world titles to his outstanding track record with the Brackley squad.

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.

Recent Posts

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

46 mins ago

Red Bull’s Mintzlaff fires back at ‘nonsense’ claim about Verstappen

Red Bull has rarely been a quiet place, but during the last year the volume…

2 hours ago

The quiet moment that finally eased Lawson’s F1 fears

Liam Lawson spent much of his 2025 season racing flat-out not just against rivals, but…

3 hours ago

Wolff sees 'fascinating' new dimension for F1 in 2026

Mercedes team boss Toto has been in Formula 1 long enough to know that every…

4 hours ago

Gasly on the friendship and fallout behind his rivalry with Ocon

Pierre Gasly speaks about Esteban Ocon with the familiarity of someone revisiting childhood photographs –…

20 hours ago

Living in the ‘noise’: Stroll opens up on approach to criticism

Lance Stroll knows exactly what follows his name in Formula 1 comment sections – and…

22 hours ago