Race and classic pictures

More than just a milestone win for Fittipaldi and Lotus

Just a month after Lotus had suffered the tragic loss of Jochen Rindt at Monza, the team's spirits were lifted on this day in 1970 by young rookie Emerson Fittipaldi's maiden F1 win in the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen.

The remarkable triumph was a significant event, not only for the 23-year-old Brazilian, but also for Colin Chapman's team as the win ensured that Rindt could not be overtaken in the F1 world championship by runner-up, Ferrari's Jacky Ickx.

The great Austrian thus became Formula 1's only posthumous champion, while the man of the day, Emerson Fittipaldi, had set himself on a path to stardom.

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

Bottas admits three-year tenure with Sauber ‘a mistake’

After three seasons with Sauber, Valtteri Bottas has admitted that his decision to join the…

7 mins ago

Russell: Last lap battle ‘a fitting way to finish with Lewis’

George Russell says his last lap battle with Lewis Hamilton in Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand…

1 hour ago

Verstappen to serve FIA community service punishment in Rwanda

Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen is set to serve his FIA community service penalty…

3 hours ago

Team Talk - Sunday in Abu Dhabi

Sauber (Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber) Valtteri Bottas "Unfortunately, today felt like a downward spiral…

4 hours ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Sunday's action in pictures

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brought the Formula 1 season to a dramatic close,…

15 hours ago

Norris battled nerves in Abu Dhabi GP after Leclerc opening lap

Lando Norris admitted that Charles Leclerc's stunning recovery from the back of the grid in…

16 hours ago