Race and classic pictures

It's a 'Hypy' birthday to Bertrand Gachot!

F1i.com will once again be on its best behaviour today as its founder Bertrand Gachot reaches the big '60'!

Bertrand ran in 47 Grands Prix during his motorsport career, but his life in the fast lane also included an outstanding win for Mazda in the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours alongside teammates Johnny Herbert and Volker Weidler.

Once he moved away from racing, Gachot focused on his business interests which included taking over the Hype energy drink brand which he successfully built into a global player in the segment.

But racing remained close to his heart, with Hype involved in Formula 1 until 2018 as a prominent sponsor of Force India/Racing Point. And everyone knows that Team Silverstone - now Aston Martin - has its roots in Jordan Grand Prix for which Bertrand drove in 1991, racing the team's stunning Gary Anderson-designed 191, considered by many as one of F1's all-time best looking cars.

Happy Bert Day boss!

 

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.

Recent Posts

Wolff eyes Mercedes engine supply cutback in the future

Mercedes may be powering a large chunk of the Formula 1 grid right now, but…

14 hours ago

Marko reflects on most ‘intense and intimate’ bond with Verstappen

Helmut Marko is closing the chapter on a remarkable 25-year career as Red Bull’s motorsport…

16 hours ago

Piastri plays it cool: Norris' title won't turn him into ‘superman’

As the dust settles on a thrilling 2025 F1 season, McLaren's Oscar Piastri is keeping…

17 hours ago

Quiet mentorship wins Verstappen new title: 'Dad of all rookies'

In an F1 paddock often defined by fierce rivalries and ruthless competition, an unexpected storyline…

18 hours ago

Michael Schumacher in a Ligier? It happened...

In December 1994, Michael Schumacher, fresh off securing his first Formula 1 World Championship, took…

20 hours ago

Honda’s 2026 power unit roars into life – and fans are loving it!

As Formula 1 closes the books on 2025 edges closer to its biggest technical reset…

21 hours ago