Race and classic pictures

Just wing it!

The Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuich Park in 1969 was the last race of the high-winged F1 cars, and for a very good reason.

The wings had sprouted the year before and had quickly become ubiquitous aerodynamic elements, thanks to a set of rules which gave everyone a free pass to develop the designs as they saw fit.

But in Spain, both Graham Hill and Jochen Rindt saw their Lotus wings collapse in the race, a few laps apart, with their cars taking off after a crest and careering madly out of control. Both men miraculously survived the massive crashes although Rindt suffered some nasty cuts and abrasions to his face.

Two weeks later in Monaco, the CSI governing body held a meeting after the first practice session in the Principality, and put a ban on the high wings.

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.