Race and classic pictures

Formula 1's mighty titans from 1986

In this famous photo, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, and Nelson Piquet pose ahead of the 1986 Portuguese Grand Prix that was held on this day at Estoril.

It's hard to remember a more impressive, prolific and mighty quartet of drivers coming together for a group shot.

Mansell won the event for Williams with a flawless performance, but how many world titles and Grand Prix victories do we have here split between these four legends? You tell us...

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

Verstappen ‘surprised’ by Red Bull pace but race day all about tyres

Max Verstappen heads into Sunday's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with renewed optimism after Red Bull made…

4 hours ago

Russell credits ‘back to basics’ approach for strong Barcelona pole

George Russell left the Circuit de Catalunya on Saturday with something arguably more valuable than…

5 hours ago

Hamilton says ‘the fight is on’ to tackle Mercedes in Barcelona GP

Lewis Hamilton heads into Sunday’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with renewed fire in his belly, insisting…

5 hours ago

Leclerc ‘ashamed’ after costly qualifying crash in Barcelona

Charles Leclerc cut a dejected figure after qualifying for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, admitting he…

6 hours ago

Barcelona-Catalunya GP: Saturday's action in pictures

George Russell continued his forward parch on Saturday in Barcelona, dominating qualifying, although he secured…

6 hours ago

Barcelona GP: Russell edges Hamilton in Q3 as Leclerc crashes

George Russell delivered a timely response in the 2026 Formula 1 title fight by securing…

7 hours ago