The man who blazed the trail for Brazil in F1

F1 legend and two-time world champion Emerson Fittipaldi turns 75-years-young today.

The great Brazilian driver remains as impassioned about racing today as he was when he blazed the trail for his countrymen five decades ago.

It all started in 1970, when the shy 24-year-old made his Grand Prix debut driving a third works Lotus at the British Grand Prix.

Later that summer, Fittipaldi was elevated to the role of team leader following the tragic death of Jochen Rindt at Monza. As the mourning squad regrouped for the North American races, Emerson pulled off the remarkable feat of winning at Watkins Glen.

His outstanding career, which garnered 14 Grand Prix wins and two F1 world championships, as well as many successes in IndyCar, spurred on several generations of young Brazilian drivers but also fueled an expansion of the Fittipaldi heritage.

The popular family's racing clan, which already included brother Wilson and nephew Christian, now relies on Emerson's talented grandsons, Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi - with the former racing with Haas last year in Abu Dhabi - as well as on his own young son, Emmo Jr. to carry the famous name forward.

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.