Hamilton wins final US GP at the Speedway

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There have been some whispers in the wings about a contingency plan involving F1's potential return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year.

In the context of adding as much events as possible to the back half of the 2020 season, F1 has apparently touched base with Roger Penske, the Speedway's new owner, to discuss a possible return of Grand Prix racing to Indy as Texas' coronavirus cases continue to swell, putting in jeopardy the US GP at Austin.

Formula 1 raced in Indiana eight times from 2000 to 2007, with Lewis Hamilton claiming the final win at America's temple of speed on this day 13 years ago.

The McLaren rookie trounced his teammate, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, to collect his second career win in F1 after prevailing in Canada just a week earlier.

But it was a tight wheel-to-wheel battle for the pair and one that likely rattled the Spaniard who wasn't expecting the young apprentice to outpace him so soon.

Unbeknownst to Alonso at the time, Hamilton was just getting warmed up!

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.