McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

40

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the four-time world champion turning 71 today.

So on this day of recognition for 'The Professor' - as Prost was aptly called during his career in F1 career - we've fittingly put the two men together, and not for the first time, thanks to this extraordinary shot from our good friend Paul-Henri Cahier.

It's the result of an unusual set of circumstances that took place at the British Grand Prix held at Brands Hatch in 1984.

Jonathan Palmer had crashed his RAM on the 12th lap of the race, which was subsequently red-flagged. The McLaren boys were way in the lead at that point. Prost and Lauda came to the start-finish line, stopped and got out of their car before any other driver had arrived!

Meanwhile, as he crossed the track, Paul-Henri caught the scene from the corner of his eye. He aimed his Canon 500 mm lens and shot the very last Kodachrome frame on his roll of film!

The perfect blend of supremacy and artistry. What a beauty!

And Happy Birthday Alain!

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.