Born on this day: F1's legends of all legends

©BernardCahier

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©BernardCahier

To many - and although it's a futile debate - Juan Manuel Fangio, born on this day in 1911, remains the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time.

The great Argentine, who graced F1 circuits in the sport's early days, won five world championships in his eight seasons in F1, and he did it with four different teams: Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Ferrari and Maserati.

Fangio was also the oldest driver to win the F1 world championship, having taken the 1957 title at 46.

While his championship track record has been surpassed by the likes of Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, Fangio's success rate remains unequalled.

From 51 Grand Prix starts, he clinched 29 pole positions and won 24 races. And he did it with a pristine history of sportsmanship.

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.