Sir Stirling Moss decides to call it a day

©WRI2

Motorsport legend Sir Stirling Moss has decided to retire from public life at the age of 88 to focus on his health and family.

The man who many consider as one of the best drivers never to win the World Championship published a message on his website written by his son Elliot.

"To all of his many friends and fans around the world, who use this website for regular updates, my father would like to announce that he will be closing it down.

"Following his severe infections at the end of 2016 and his subsequent slow and arduous recovery, the decision has been made that, at the age of 88, the indefatigable man will finally retire, so that he and my mother can have some much deserved rest and spend more time with each other and the rest of the family.

"The entire and extended Moss clan thank everyone for all their love and support over the years and we wish you all a happy and prosperous 2018."

Last year, the tireless and determined motor racing figure remained in hospital in Singapore for several months after suffering a severe chest infection, a condition which required a lengthy recovery period.

Moss is a 16-time Grand Prix victor, having achieved his wins between 1955 and 1961 with Mercedes, Maserati, Vanwall, Cooper and Lotus. He also finished runner-up in the F1 world championship four times!

A major highlight of his outstanding career however was winning the grueling 1955 Mille Miglia road race with the mighty Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, flanked by co-pilot Denis Jenkinson.

Until his untimely hospitalization in December 2016, Moss traveled the world on a regular basis and was a loyal visitor and participant in the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed event.

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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.