Michael Schumacher's last F1 top-step podium celebration

40

Unbeknownst to all at the time, Michael Schumacher's triumph in the Chinese Grand Prix on this day in 2006 would go down in history as his ultimate win in Formula 1.

It was the great German driver's 91st and final victory at the pinnacle of motorsport, and one he celebrated on the podium with Ferrari engineer Chris Dyer.

Schumacher's win in Shanghai that day put him level with Renault's Fernando Alonso in the championship standings with just two races to go.

Ultimately however, the Spaniard would have the last word that year, outscoring Schumacher in Japan and Brazil to conquer his second world title.

And the great German ace's winning record of 91 victories in F1 - which seemed like a tally out of reach in our lifetime - remained unbeaten for 14 years, until Lewis Hamilton caught up and overhauled Schumacher at the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2020.

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.