The very genesis of Formula 1 on this day in 1950

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It all started on May 13, 1950 at Silverstone Circuit, where Alfa Romeo's Giuseppe Farina wrote the very first chapter of Formula 1's incredible and rich 75-year World Championship history.

An estimated 120,000 people, including the King of the United Kingdom, George VI, looked on as the Grand Prix of Europe got underway and F1 roared into life.

Farina launched his race from pole and led at the end of the day an Alfa Romeo top-3 clean sweep, with team mates Luigi Fagioli and Reg Parnell completing the podium.

Juan-Manuel Fangio, also driving for Alfa Romeo, was in the running early on but was put out of the race with engine troubles.

A total of 21 cars took part in Formula 1's inaugural championship round. Six races later, Farina would become Grand Prix racing's inaugural World Champion.

Three quarters of a century later, Formula 1 stands as a global spectacle of speed, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

But the heart of the sport's grid at Silverstone in 1950 - passion for racing - still drives the sport’s electrifying legacy to this day.

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.