Race and classic pictures

Where it all started in F1 for Mr. Centennial

Lewis Hamilton conquered his 100th career win in Formula 1 on Sunday in Sochi, an outstanding and unprecedented achievement in the history of Grand Prix racing.

The remarkable feat was expected, and Hamilton's presence on the grid next season ensures that the Briton's tally will likely continue to grow. But where did it all start for Formula 1's 'Centennial Man'?

Hamilton enjoyed his first F1 win in the 2007 Canadian Grand Prix during his maiden season in the sport, racing for McLaren.

The young gun had bagged pole on Saturday in Montreal, beating teammate Fernando Alonso by nearly half a second.

On race day, marked by Robert Kubica's horror crash, the 22-year-old Hamilton reached the checkered flag four seconds ahead of BMW's Nick Heidfeld, with Williams' Alex Wurz in third.

As the day's victor crossed the checkered flag, there was a loud explosion in the McLaren garage that day, a thundering sound that echoed around the world.

The sound of Lewis Hamilton bursting on the scene!

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

Vowles warns 2026 weight limit will catch F1 teams out

When F1’s radically redesigned 2026 cars finally roll out in Barcelona at the end of…

7 hours ago

Why Verstappen isn’t expecting much running at F1’s first test

Max Verstappen has never been one to sugar-coat reality – and as Formula 1 braces…

9 hours ago

Revolut’s CMO slams Ferrari: ‘How can you put blue on a red car?’

Ferrari have survived decades of criticism about strategy calls, driver politics and pit stops that…

10 hours ago

Mercedes 2026 advantage in doubt after concerning claim

While the paddock has been whispering for months that Mercedes might be holding the winning…

12 hours ago

Our salute on this day to Big Dan

Dan Gurney passed away on this day in 2018, and here at F1i we'll never…

13 hours ago

Jules Bianchi’s final kart recovered after theft

What began as a painful reminder of loss has ended with a moment of profound…

14 hours ago