Race and classic pictures

Hailing from Liechtenstein - trailing in F1

A who, what, where query on this picture would at first glance prompt a response placing Mike Hailwood in a Brabham in 1974 but that would be getting only part of the quiz right.

F1 connoisseurs will have indeed recognized a Brabham BT44 at the Belgian Grand Prix at Nivelles in 1974.

The driver? Not 'Mike the Bike', but journeyman Rikky von Opel who had obviously borrowed Hailwood's helmet.

Despite being born in New York on this day in 1974, the great grandson of the founder of the Opel automotive company was the only F1 driver to hail from the lovely and ultra-rich Alpine micro-state of Liechtenstein.

Rikky enjoyed ten race starts in his short career in F1, running with Ensign in 1973 before undertaking - or rather buying - four races with Bernie Ecclestone's Brabham team the following year, with little to show unfortunately for his expensive efforts.

Before throwing in the towel, his best result with Brabham was a pair of ninth-place finishes in Sweden and in the Netherlands.

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

Rosberg signs off from Williams with win in inaugural Australian GP

Keke Rosberg concluded his career at Williams on this day in 1985 with a win…

54 minutes ago

Wolff reveals sponsors left Mercedes over Antonelli gamble

Victory tastes sweet for Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, but settling the score after being vindicated…

2 hours ago

Cadillac vows ‘full investigation’ after Bottas’ high-speed failure

Cadillac F1 team principal Marcin Budkowski faces a daunting safety crisis following the terrifying high-speed…

3 hours ago

Sticking to 12: Why Antonelli is rejecting F1’s number 1 for 2027

Kimi Antonelli will not carry the prestigious number 1 on his Mercedes next season, opting…

5 hours ago

Penalty windfall puts Hirakawa in the F1 history books

Ryo Hirakawa arrived in Mexico City with little time to prepare for his first Formula…

19 hours ago

Hamilton hits out at Leclerc's 'do or die' mentality

Lewis Hamilton delivered a stinging assessment of Charles Leclerc's opening-lap aggression in the Mexico City…

20 hours ago