A title hope buried in the gravel in Shanghai

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On this day in 2007, Lewis Hamilton - in his maiden season in F1 - was on course to putting the world title out of reach of his rivals in the penultimate round of the world championship in China.

A stint on intermediate tyres on Shanghai's damp track had put him in command of the race, but when Hamilton headed to the pits, his badly worn rubber robbed him of grip as he negotiated the sharp left-hand turn, the McLaren hopelessly sliding into the gravel where it buried itself in shame.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen picked up where Hamilton left off and won the race, setting up a title showdown in Brazil that the Finn would also ultimately win.

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.