Race and classic pictures

A proud and powerful line-up for Williams

Williams officially presented its team to the media on this day in 1994 at Estoril, showcasing its proud looking and powerful duo of drivers.

After a couple of years of tentative talks, Frank Williams and Patrick Head had finally succeeded in securing the services of Ayrton Senna.

The great Brazilian had the all-clear to join the British outfit following the retirement of arch-rival and Williams' 1993 world champion Alain Prost.

Paired with Senna was Damon Hill who had showed a promising potential the year before in his maiden season of Grand Prix racing alongside Prost.

Hill got the team in gear in Brazil with a second-place finish behind Michael Schumacher's Benetton, while Senna painfully spun out of his home race, trying to keep up with the German.

The Pacific Grand Prix held at Aida was a washout for both Williams' chargers, but the worst was yet to come.

Two weeks later, at Imola, Williams and Formula 1 would suffer one of the most somber days in their history.

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.

Recent Posts

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

9 mins ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

47 mins ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

2 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

18 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago