Race and classic pictures

The passing of a legend on a dark morning at Hockenheim

It's been 57 years since the tragic death of Jim Clark on a damp and dark morning at Hockenheim on April 7, 1968.

In the picture here above, Clark is flanked on the grid by Lotus mechanic Dave Sims just minutes before the start of the first heat of the Deutschland Trophäe Formula 2 event.

Just five laps after the start, as the field traversed Hockenheim's forest, the Scot inexplicably veered off the track and crashed into the trees.

In one fatal moment the world of motorsport was rocked, astonished by the passing of a legend and of a man who many still consider as the greatest Grand Prix driver who ever lived.

From his humble beginnings, Clark raced with speed and style to the pinnacle of the sport, clinching 25 Grand Prix wins with Lotus - a record at the time - and two world titles along the way.

One will remember in particular the great Scot's banner year in 1965, an outstanding campaign marked by his second F1 world championship crown and his triumph in the Indy 500.

Fifty-seven years on, Clark's legacy remains intact.

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

F1 boss Domenicali on why Apple TV will shatter ESPN’s records

Formula 1 is gearing up for a new digital era in the United States –…

7 hours ago

Sainz reveals ‘not ideal’ reality shared with Alonso

Carlos Sainz has lifted the lid on a private paddock conversation he enjoyed with Fernando…

9 hours ago

Horner names the true culprits of his Red Bull exit

Christian Horner has offered a revealing look back at his dramatic exit from Red Bull…

10 hours ago

McLaren Majesty: When Prost and Lauda stood alone

Alain Prost follows Niki Lauda by just two days on the February birthday calendar, the…

12 hours ago

Coulthard on why Bottas has the edge over Perez at Cadillac

Sergio Perez’s Formula 1 comeback with Cadillac is already under the microscope – and he…

13 hours ago

‘Not pure Formula 1’: Verstappen fires fresh salvo at 2026 cars

After pre-season testing in Bahrain gave F1’s drivers their first real taste of the sport’s…

14 hours ago