The day newbie Hakkinen infuriated Senna

©WRI

Mika Hakkinen's first race with McLaren came at the Portuguese Grand Prix on this day in 1993 as a result of Michael Andretti's departure from the team following the American's disappointing results.

As McLaren's test driver, Hakkinen was promoted to a race seat in Estoril, and lost no time in showcasing his skills by snapping at the heels of team mate Ayrton Senna in the weekend's first qualifying session.

In the second session however, the Finn promptly outdid the great Brazilian, qualifying third behind the unassailable Williams of Damon Hill and Alain Prost.

Needless to say, Senna was unsettled, and wondered how on earth he had been outpaced by McLaren's novice.

At the end of the session, he walked over to Hakkinen and asked him how he had done it.

"I showed him [with my hands] and said: I have bigger balls!” the Finn once recounted.

"That made him totally mad. He got really angry and went on to tell me about his whole career, about the world championships he had won.

"He put me against the wall and said: Don’t even try…"

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.