Race and classic pictures

Who was the last Monegasque to race in Formula 1?

Charles Leclerc's graduation to Formula 1 in 2018 reminds us that the last F1 driver to hail from the sunny Principality of Monte-Carlo was Oliver Beretta.

Beretta broke into Grand Prix racing in 1994, driving for the French Larousse squad with Eric Comas. His nine-race stint yielded a best result of eighth, achieved precisely at his home race in Monaco.

Beretta later made a very successful switch to endurance racing, achieving six GT class wins at Le Mans and overall victory at the 2000 Daytona 24 Hours.

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.

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