When variety was the very spice of life for an F1 driver

There was once a bygone era in racing when diversification was the rule rather than the exception for drivers.

And here's a picture that perfectly illustrates this: it shows F1 world champion and motorsport's only Triple Crown winner Graham Hill.

In 1965, a BRM works driver at the time, Hill ventured to America to race John Coombs' Oldsmobile-powered McLaren Elva M1 in the L.A. Times Grand Prix at Riverside.

Because variety is the very spice of life...

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.