The original 'Red Baron'

Our thoughts are with Michael Schumacher today on the 49th birthday of the most successful driver in F1's history.

At the height of his career with Ferrari, Schumacher was labeled 'The Red Baron', but the moniker could have also applied to one Wolfgang von Trips.

The son of a noble Rhineland family, and a Count rather than a Baron, von Trips drove for Ferrari between 1957, his maiden year in F1, and his tragic death in 1961.

On track to win the world championship from Scuderia team mate Phil Hill, the talented German driver was killed at the championship's last round at Monza, in a horrific crash which claimed the life of fourteen spectators.

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.