When Hill tackled Senna challenge with 'mixed emotions'

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When he was unveiled on this day in 1993 as Ayrton Senna's teammate at Williams-Renault, Damon Hill openly acknowledged the colossal challenge that lied ahead.

The Briton admitted he had “mixed emotions about driving alongside somebody who is as forceful and motivated as Ayrton … but I am not easily demoralised or crushed".

While Senna typically inked one-year agreements, this time he agreed to a two-year contract worth Williams, reportedly valued at £13 million annually.

Little did anyone know that Williams’ promising campaign would descend into tragedy as early as the third race, with Senna’s death at Imola.

Hill would valiantly pick up his shattered team and battle arch-rival Michael Schumacher down to the wire in Australia, only for his title bid to be thwarted by a desperate and wicked move by the German.

But that's a story for another day.

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.