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Lotus co-founder Hazel Chapman has passed away

They say that behind every great man there's a great woman, and that was certainly the case for Lotus genius Colin Chapman, given the remarkable contribution of his wife Hazel to the legendary marque's success.

Hazel Chapman passed away at 94 on Tuesday and was described by Lotus Cars managing director Matt Windle as "the rock upon which the Lotus foundations were built".

A former racing driver in her own right and a shrewd businesswoman, Mrs. Chapman yielded her power and influence on all the company's fronts, whether it was Lotus Cars or Team Lotus, assuming a matriarchal role withing the organization while her husband focused on his engineering brilliance in the racing world.

Read also: A Lotus blossoms in Monaco for the very first time

Towards the end of her life, Hazel Chapman's keen interest in Lotus Cars remained intact, and following a long-standing tradition, she signed off the 100,000th Lotus road car in 2018 prior to its unveiling to the public.

Hazel Chapman, 1927 - 2021

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.