Race and classic pictures

The F1 world champion turned gentleman farmer

Jody Scheckter, Formula 1's 1979 World Champion, celebrates his 76th birthday on this day.

The South African's F1 career started with McLaren in 1973 and unfolded over seven seasons, yielding 10 Grands Prix wins - with Wolf, Tyrrell and Ferrari - and a world title achieved with the Scuderia in 1979.

But Scheckter's life after F1 was equally rewarding. In 1996, the former F1 driver opened Laverstoke Park Farm, a 2,500-acre organic/biodynamic farm in Hampshire, which was also the home to Car Fest South, a fun filled festival full of mayhem, music and motor cars established by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans to raise money for the Children in Need charity.

©TheCahierArchive

 

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

Bearman blasts Haas: ‘Soft tyre strategy screwed my race’

Oliver Bearman left Bahrain convinced Haas had thrown away a genuine chance of points after…

8 hours ago

F1i Driver Ratings for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac (DNF) – 3/10 Bottas spun out in the opening laps of the…

9 hours ago

Audi to light up Singapore with striking one-off F1 livery

Audi is turning the Singapore night into a canvas of its own, unveiling a striking…

11 hours ago

The unsuspected failure of Michael Andretti in F1

Michael Andretti was born into this world on this day, 64 years ago. An impressive…

11 hours ago

Lawson hails Racing Bulls gamble after ‘doubting’ team's call

Racing Bulls turned a chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix into a points bonanza, with Liam Lawson…

12 hours ago

Alonso left wanting more despite Aston Martin’s best result

Fernando Alonso delivered to Aston Martin its best result of the 2026 season in Sepang,…

14 hours ago