Schumacher surpasses Fangio with sixth crown

©Cahier Archive

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©Cahier Archive

On this day in 2003, Michael Schumacher entered the history books by adding a historic sixth drivers' crown to his collection, surpassing the great Fangio's record of five titles.

The Ferrari driver was a distant eighth in a Japanese GP won by team mate Rubens Barrichello, a result which denied Schumacher's closest rival, Kimi Raikkonen, a final shot at the championship.

While Fangio had won all his titles consecutively in the 1950s, Schumacher's 2003 championship was his fourth in a row.

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.