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

Antonelli visits ‘The Doctor’ at the Ranch

F1 world championship leader Kimi Antonelli made good use of his easter weekend to make…

2 hours ago

Verstappen’s inner circle at Red Bull takes another hit

Fresh uncertainty appears to be brewing inside Red Bull Racing, with reports suggesting one of…

3 hours ago

Hamilton on silencing the critics: ‘I still have what it takes’

Three races into Ferrari’s 2026 campaign, Lewis Hamilton looks rejuvenated – his voice steadier, his…

4 hours ago

Mekies: ‘We all agree’ F1 must bring back flat-out qualifying

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has made it clear: Formula 1 must rediscover the…

5 hours ago

‘Rusty, me?’: Perez fires back at Andretti’s Cadillac claim

Sergio Perez isn’t taking lightly the suggestion that his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac…

22 hours ago

Formula 1’s heartfelt gift to new dad Fernando Alonso

While Aston Martin’s F1 car is currently giving Fernando Alonso some massive engine vibrations and…

24 hours ago