A star-studded gathering for the FIA's new Hall of Fame

Last night in Paris, the FIA inaugurated its new Hall of Fame which celebrates motor racing's most famous names of the past and present.

The governing body had yet to endorse an idea sanctioned by other motorsport institutions, such as NASCAR or the Indianapolis 500.

Yesterday's launch showcased Formula 1's distinguished heritage with the induction of the sport's 33 world champions.

Sir Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg were joined by representatives and family of F1’s other title winners in becoming the first drivers inducted into the FIA's Hall of Fame.

Lewis Hamilton was conspicuously absent from the gathering however, as he was hard at work at the Fashion Awards in London.

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.