One giant leap for F1 world champion Nico Rosberg

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He dreamed about it during his childhood, he worked incredibly hard for it, but on this day in 2016, Nico Rosberg finally did it!

In Abu Dhabi, Rosberg started F1's season finale 12 points ahead of Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton and knew a podium finish would be enough to secure the championship regardless of where Hamilton would finish up.

It was a tense race however as Rosberg had to fend off Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and the self-serving tactics of his own teammate.

Ultimately, the German driver prevailed and secured the world title, following in the footsteps of his father Keke Rosberg.

Weeks later, considering his mission as having been accomplished, Rosberg called it a day on his career in motorsport.

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.