One photograph. Decades of Formula 1 history.

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Last weekend’s Historic French Grand Prix became far more than a celebration of classic machinery — it felt like a reunion of the sport’s soul.

Legends from multiple generations gathered together in a moment dripping with nostalgia, from Alain Prost, Mika Häkkinen and Jacques Villeneuve to David Coulthard, Jean Alesi and Mark Webber, among others.

There was emotion everywhere at Circuit Paul Ricard. Pierre Gasly climbed into Jean-Pierre Jabouille’s iconic 1979 Renault RS10, reliving a landmark chapter of French motorsport history with Jabouille’s son, Victor, watching on.

©X/pierregasly

At 82 years old, Jacques Laffite also rolled back the years aboard the Ligier JS11/15 that carried him to victory at Hockenheim nearly five decades ago.

And perhaps most touching of all, the sons of Niki Lauda and Patrick Depailler took to the track in the very cars raced by their fathers – a reminder that Formula 1’s greatest stories never truly fade.

©GP de France Historique/Morgan Mathurin

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.