The greatest Grand Prix finish of all time?

©CahierArchive

40

©CahierArchive

On this day in 1969, Jackie Stewart out-dragged Jochen Rindt to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza by 8/100ths of a second after a thrilling finish.

Amidst an electric atmosphere, an exciting slipstreaming battle involving up to eight cars formed in the latter part of the race.

The lead changed no less than fourteen times in the 68-lap race as Stewart, Rindt, Hulme, Courage, Hill, McLaren, Beltoise and Siffert dared and defied each other.

With just four laps to go, a final slipstream shootout pitted Stewart's Matra against Rindt, Beltoise and McLaren.

The great Scot lost the lead to the Austrian's Lotus on the last lap, but regained it only to lose it again to Beltoise as the group barreled down towards the Parabolica.

The French driver's Matra drifted wide on the exit however, leaving Stewart and Rindt to race each other to the checkered flag.

Stewart's win gave him his first world championship title, with three races to go.

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.