Wings for a legend: Brabham’s 1966 triumph honoured in the skies

©Brisbane Airport

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©Brisbane Airport

Touching down in Brisbane this week, this Alliance Airlines Embraer 190 is wearing more than just a fresh coat of paint – it’s carrying a piece of Formula 1 history.

The special green and gold livery celebrates the upcoming 60th anniversary of Sir Jack Brabham’s 1966 world title, the season in which Australia’s F1 legend achieved the remarkable – and unique – feat of winning the world championship in a car bearing his own name, the Brabham BT19 pictured here on the plane's fuselage.

Alliance Airlines is no stranger to flying tributes, but this one lands right on the apex: Australia’s greatest racing story, retold at 35,000 feet.

©Brisbane Airport

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.