Formula 1 crowns its youngest ever World Champion

40

On this day in 2005, Fernando Alonso became F1’s youngest ever world champion by scoring his 13th podium in 17 races at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos.

The season had been a fierce battle between the Spaniard and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen, but for the Finn, there just weren't enough races to overhaul his Renault rival.

At 24 years and 58 days, Alonso overtook Emerson Fittipaldi as the sport's youngest champion, but his record would hold just 36 months, until Lewis Hamilton was crowned at just 23 years of age.

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.