Hulme finds a whole new way to make a splash in Austria

©DutchRacingPress

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©DutchRacingPress

Ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, we've pulled out of our archives a very peculiar picture from back in the day at Zeltweg, in 1971.

It depicts a perplexed Denny Hulme, seemingly pondering his fate and that of his McLaren, stranded in a puddle of water and mud at the exit of a tunnel.

The McLaren's bizarre position defies logic, as it appears to be nowhere near the intended race track.

Perhaps Denny decided to embark on an off-road adventure, transforming his high-speed outing into a muddy escapade?

Coincidently, the Red Bull Ring and the Spielberg region were hit on Thursday with a weather alert warning of “stormy winds, local floodings, hail and lightning strikes”!

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.