Mika Hakkinen bows out in fashion from Formula 1

McLaren's Mika Hakkinen conquered his 20th and final F1 win on this day at the 2001 US Grand Prix at Indianapolis.

The Finn was set to retire at the end of the season, so he put in an extra effort to bow out in fashion in front of a packed house at the Speedway.

The race saw an early domination by Ferrari but a well crafted strategy put McLaren and Hakkinen in the lead at the mid-way point and from there on the Finn never looked back.

"This was one Grand Prix I wanted in my record book," said the day's victor. "A wonderful win. It's incredible and I'm very happy."

Coming just three weeks after the deadly September 11 attacks, it was an emotional day for the racing community and its fans.

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.