Alonso reaches 'crazy' 300-race milestone

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Fernando Alonso was celebrated by McLaren, members of the F1 paddock and several of his colleagues on Thursday ahead of the Spaniard's 300th F1 Grand Prix.

It all started back in Australia in 2001, when the 19-year-old lined up for the very first time on the grid, driving for Minardi.

Seventeen years, 299 races and two world championship titles later, Alonso is still going strong, even if it's been a lean period for the McLaren man since his switch to the Woking-based team in 2015.

"A couple of years ago I remember Rubens doing the record 320-something and I thought he was a little bit crazy to be so long in F1 - and now I'm getting quite close," he said.

"It's a special weekend. Hopefully we can put in a good performance."

Indeed, Rubens Barrichello remains the driver with the most races under his belt - 326, followed by Jenson button (309) and Michael Schumacher (308).

But one more F1 season for Alonso would guarantee his status as the sport's most assiduous racer.

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.