Buon Compleanno to the original Super Mario!

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©TheCahierArchive

From the small village of Montona where he was born to a refugee camp in Lucca, Italy, where he spent part of his childhood, to a trip across the Atlantic with his parents in search of a better life, to the many tracks across the world where he built his legend, it's been quite a journey for motorsport's own 'Super Mario' - Mario Andretti.

The 1968 Indy 500 winner and 1979 F1 world champion, accurately described as the sport's greatest all-rounder, turns 86 on this day.

And Mario's favourite place to spend the day is still behind the wheel of a racing car.

However, quietly savouring a bottle of Villa Andretti Chardonnay is the next best thing…

Buon compleanno a un campione e leggenda vivente!

Mario Andretti on the grid at the 2024 Miami GP.

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.