Race and classic pictures

One giant leap for F1 world champion Nico Rosberg

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 end 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.

Recent Posts

Symonds promises 1,000 bhp and less downforce for 2026 F1 cars

Formula 1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds has offered his latest insight into the sport’s…

7 hours ago

Allison opens up on primary flaw of Mercedes W15

Mercedes technical director James Allison says the Brackley squad has seen a pattern emerge after…

9 hours ago

Norris warns: ‘Never, ever say Sainz is underrated’

Lando Norris has emphasized the importance of F1’s marketplace recognizing Carlos Sainz’s qualities, insisting it…

11 hours ago

Wolff still can’t imagine Hamilton in red: ‘I don’t think it suits him’

Toto Wolff is still grappling with the reality of Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari next…

12 hours ago

Senna delivers win #100 to McLaren

Ayrton Senna triumphed on home turf at Interlagos on this day in 1993, clinching his…

14 hours ago

Former Hamilton physio Cullen finds new home in IndyCar

After a period out of the spotlight following her split with Lewis Hamilton, physiotherapist Angela…

14 hours ago