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.

Recent Posts

Leclerc points to one crucial area holding Ferrari back

After another hard-fought podium at Suzuka, Charles Leclerc has pointed directly at Ferrari’s flaw –…

8 minutes ago

No April Fools prank by Montoya on Schumacher

Although the Formula 1 season is typically well underway by this point of the year,…

2 hours ago

A legend reborn: Lola Cars revives iconic T70 for road and track

The soul of 1965 has officially broken cover in the 21st century. Sitting in solemn…

3 hours ago

Brundle drops his sharp verdict on Verstappen retirement talk

Max Verstappen is making noise again – but this time, it’s not from the front…

4 hours ago

Alonso and Stroll turned frustration into fun in Suzuka scrap

Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso turned an otherwise difficult afternoon into an unlikely…

6 hours ago

No rest for the brave: Ferrari pencils in two track tests in April

While the Formula 1 calendar faces an unexpected five-week hiatus following the cancellations of the…

7 hours ago