When Schumacher became King of France

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Michael Schumacher was aptly nicknamed 'the Kaiser' in Germany, but the F1 legend was also crowned King of France on this day in 2006.

Eighteen years ago today at Magny Cours, Schumacher achieved something no great champion had ever accomplished before him.

The seven-time world champion became the first driver in F1 history to win the same Grand Prix eight times!

Schumacher's triumph was also his 88th career win, and he did it with Ferrari.

In the following decade, Lewis Hamilton equaled the great German's singular record, and finally beat it recently when he collected at Silverstone his ninth win in the British Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver also collecting his victory since Saudi Arabia in 2021.

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.