Mansell's black-flag breach and ban

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On this day in 1989, Nigel Mansell made sure F1 fans had their money's worth of drama at the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril.

'Il Leone' had qualified his Ferrari third and overhauled teammate Gerhard Berger at the front to build himself a commanding 20-second lead when he pitted after 40 laps.

Mansell's rush saw the Brit overshoot his pit crew by a car's length and reverse into his space, a forbidden maneuver that brought out the black flag when he rejoined the proceedings.

But the Scuderia charger roared past the waving official three times, his view perhaps hindered by the fact that he was hooked to the back of Ayrton Senna's McLaren on the main straight.

It all ended in tatters however as Mansell went all-in at the first corner, lunging at the Brazilian and taking both out of the race!

The stewards lowered the boom on our Nige who was fined $50,000 for ignoring the black flag and banned for the following race.

Mansell briefly threatened to call it a day if the ban wasn't overturned, but ultimately the daram subsided and the Brit returned to action.

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.