An F1 driver's daily commute to work at Riverside

©CahierArchive

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©CahierArchive

On his way to the 1960 US Grand Prix, John Surtees blends his Lotus 18 into the local traffic at Riverside, in California.

The track was set near the San Bernardino Mountains just east of Los Angeles.

The circuit's lack of infrastructure, a common inadequacy in those days, saw Formula 1's teams set up shop in local garages scattered around the area.

This gave photographer Bernard Cahier an opportunity to snap a series of amusing shots of race cars running in city traffic as their drivers commuted to the race track.

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.