A Mansell home win marred by Laffite's crash

©Paul-Henri Cahier

On this day in 1986, Nigel Mansell celebrated a triumphant victory on his home turf at Brands Hatch, captivating the crowd with an awe-inspiring performance.

However, the day's excitement was marred by a devastating incident that unfolded when Thierry Boutsen lost control of his Arrows shortly after the start and triggered a massive pile-up.

Tragically, Ligier's Jacques Laffite, innocently caught up in the chaos, collided head-on with a barrier.

The 42-year-old Frenchman was matching on that day Graham Hill's remarkable record of 176 grand prix starts, but Laffite's unfortunate crash marked the end of his illustrious Formula 1 career.

Emergency crews worked diligently to extract Laffite from the wreckage, and after an hour-and-a-half delay, the race resumed.

Mansell swiftly regained his momentum, seizing an early lead and facing only fleeting concerns in the closing laps as he eased off to conserve precious fuel.

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.