Alonso’s Budapest breakthrough to become F1’s youngest winner

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On this day in 2003, history was made in Budapest when Fernando Alonso stormed to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, becoming at 22 years and 104 days, Formula 1's youngest ever race winner.

After the Williams pair of Juan Pablo Montoya and Ralf Schumacher faltered off the line, Alonso seized his chance, pulling away while rivals – including the quicker Kimi Räikkönen – were bottled up behind Mark Webber’s Jaguar.

By the checkered flag, the Spaniard had built a commanding 17-second gap, leaving the paddock stunned and the championship picture wide open.

That triumph didn’t just announce Alonso as a future world champion – it marked the arrival of a fearless racer built for history.

Fast forward 22 years and an incredible 386 races later, and Alonso is still on the grid, defying time itself, now flying the flag for Aston Martin. The young man who shocked F1 in Budapest has become the sport’s very own Ironman. And he’s not done yet.

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.