Remarkable Surtees stands out among a talented crowd in Mexico

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

The 1964 F1 world championship reached its epilogue on this day in Mexico City, with John Surtees achieving a remarkable feat.

Flanked in this picture by Dan Gurney, Jim Clark and Phil Hill, Surtees was runner-up in the drivers' standings before the final race, with Graham Hill and Clark as his fellow title contenders.

The latter looked set to clinch his second world crown until his Lotus' engine painfully seized up on the final lap. Gurney went through to win the race, with Graham Hill out of contention, but Surtees' title depended on a charitable gesture from Ferrari team mate Lorenzo Bandini to let the Briton finish second.

The Italian proved a gentleman and waived 'Big John' through to become the first motorcycling World Champion to win a world title on four wheels as well.

©The CahierArchive

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.