Race and classic pictures

When you're good enough, you're old enough!

On this day in 2008, Formula 1 saw a spring chicken named Sebastian Vettel become the youngest ever winner of a Grand Prix.

At 21 years and 74 days, driving for Toro Rosso, Vettel was as skillful and proficient as a seasoned veteran in the Italian GP's tricky and wet conditions at Monza.

The young German stormed off from pole - which was already an incredible feat in itself - and never looked back, finishing 12.5 seconds clear of McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen.

The performance also stood out as Toro Rosso's first F1 triumph and podium in the sport, with Pierre Gasly adding a second win to the Faenza-based squad's track record 12 years later, again at Monza.

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.

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