Remembering an F1 legend and a great lost talent

British motorsport and F1 were dealt a devastating blow on this day in 1975, when Graham Hill and Tony Brise were killed in a plane crash in south-east England.

Hill was flying his F1 Embassy Hill crew - which also included team members Ray Brimble, Andy Smallman, Terry Richards and Tony Alcock - back home after a few days of testing at Paul Ricard.

Hill, just 46 and one of motorsport's most loved characters, had retired from professional racing in July of 1975 to set his sights on bringing the nascent Embassy Hill squad to glory with the help of 23-year-old Tony Brise, a young man on the cusp of greatness.

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.