Race and classic pictures

Jesse Alexander: A legend of motorsport photography

Legendary motorsport photographer Jesse Alexander has sadly passed away at 92 at his home in Santa Barbara.

A veritable artist in his own right, Alexander was one of the most iconic snappers from motorsport's golden era.

The American spent many years in Europe in the 1950s chronicling Formula 1 and long-distance racing as well as the famous Mille Miglia and Targa Florio events, where his beautiful imagery aesthetically showcased the sporting and human themes of the day.

But Alexander's body of work, which has been exhibited in museums in the United States and featured in many of his books, also includes theater photography as well as travel photographs of Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, and birds.

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

Formula E unleashes Gen4 future in dramatic Paul Ricard debut

Formula E’s electric future roared – silently but spectacularly – into a new era on…

13 hours ago

Vowles backs ‘sensible’ 2026 rule tweaks after early concerns

Williams team boss James Vowles has welcomed Formula 1’s swift response to mounting criticism over…

14 hours ago

Steiner: Antonelli is Wolff’s ‘revenge’ for missing Verstappen

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has offered a psychological deep dive into Mercedes…

16 hours ago

When it rained for Senna, it poured for his rivals

On this day in 1985, at a wet and cold Estoril, Ayrton Senna clinched the…

17 hours ago

Stella reveals why McLaren’s title defence began on the ‘dark side’

McLaren’s 2026 Formula 1 title defence has stumbled out of the gate – but according…

18 hours ago

No free laps: F1 drivers risk criminal records in Italian tax probe!

Italy’s tax authorities – the Guardia di Finanza – have officially opened a high-stakes audit…

19 hours ago