A Formula 1 four-wheel drive faux pas

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Cosworth co-founder Mike Costin believed traction was in short supply in F1 following the widespread adoption of his company's legendary Ford DFV engine in the late sixties.

To make the most of the powerful unit, Costin suggested to teams that they should consider four-wheel drive designs, but the British engineer actually went his own way with the idea in late 1968, with the help of a young designer by the name of Robin Herd.

Unfortunately, the striking-looking but ungracious and heavy Cosworth 4WD, which looked like something from outer-space, was a handful from the get-go, leaving its test drivers, including Costin himself, unimpressed.

The concept was quickly rendered obsolete with the advent of wings and spoilers in F1 which instantly cured teams' traction problems.

Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin eventually pulled the plug on the project. The Cosworth 4WD would never again turn a wheel in anger.

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.