Hulme bookends '69 season with commanding Mexican win

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On this day in 1969 in Mexico City, Denny Hulme delivered to McLaren its fourth Grand Prix win, a triumph that bookended the Formula1 season.

Hulme's victory - his fifth in F1 - had no bearing on the championship as the title had already been secured by Matra's Jackie Stewart at the Italian GP at Monza three races earlier.

The great Scot led the opening laps in Mexico before Brabham's Jacky Ickx picked up the baton, only for Hulme to overhaul both drivers on lap 10 and race off to a commanding win onboard team papaya's lovely Cosworth-powered M7A.

©McLaren

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.