Was this man the worst driver ever to race in F1?

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The only driver in F1 history to lose his superlicence for dangerous driving was born on this day in 1975.

But you'd be excused if you've never heard of Yuji Ide. The Japanese driver graduated from Formula Nippon to F1 in 2006 thanks to a boatload of yen and a purchasable seat at Super Aguri.

The FIA gave this inept, clumsy, way out-of-his depth, mobile chicane Sunday driver the benefit of the doubt for four races before taking away a superlicence that he should never have been granted in the first place.

It was either too much or too little track for poor old Yuji, who is still out there somewhere searching for the apex...

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.