Hamilton's epic last lap coronation in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton won the first of his seven world titles on this day in 2008 at the Brazilian Grand Prix after a wild finish to an intense campaign.

Needing to secure fifth to beat Ferrari's Felipe Massa if the Brazilian were to take victory on home soil, the McLaren ace slipped to sixth in the closing stages of a thrilling race held in mixed weather conditions.

With the dominant Massa comfortably in the lead, it looked like a day in heaven for the Ferrari driver and the Brazilian crowd. And indeed it was… for a handful of seconds.

When Felipe took the checked flag, Hamilton was on the verge of completing an overtake on Toyota's Timo Glock at the penultimate corner, and snatching fifth, and the title!

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.