The unsuspected failure of Michael Andretti in F1

©McLaren

Michael Andretti was born into this world on this day, 62 years ago.

An impressive genetic inheritance awarded Mario's son a head start in motor racing, but when he came to Formula 1, bad timing and some faulty decisions sealed his fate.

Michael raced with McLaren in 1993, but his results fell painfully short of everyone's expectations, including his own.

As the dominant Indycar driver of the early 1990s, his credentials were outstanding. His speed, race craft and fearless late-braking made him a racer's racer. Michael Andretti was the real deal.

But regardless of a driver's accomplishments before joining the elite, success in F1 is never guaranteed.

It's a high-powered world, strewn with pitfalls and traps, where talent is significant but ineffective without a strong mind and the commitment to galvanize a team towards the common goal of victory.

To that end, timing in F1 is paramount.

Alas, Michael Andretti's endeavor into Grand Prix racing in 1993 was all about being in the right place at the wrong time.

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.