When sportsmanship took a back seat to Ferrari's interests

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Team orders in Formula 1 have always been a controversial subject, but on this day in Austria in 2002, the debate raged on to a whole new level.

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello was at the head of the field at Spielberg from the get-go, leading team mate Michael Schumacher in practice, qualifying and for the entire race on Sunday, save for the last few meters.

So, how did the Brazilian lose out? Because Rubens, the good soldier, had been ordered by Scuderia boss Jean Todt - yes, the man who went on to safeguard F1's integrity as president of the FIA - to let Schumacher win in order to consolidate his championship lead.

At the time, the BBC reported the incident with a simple but very direct headline: "Schumacher Steals Austrian Win."

Wasn't that the truth?

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.