Schumi 92

Mika Hakkinen, 1998 Australian Grand Prix.

These two men were two of top four or five best drivers in the world at the time. But, god damn it, they had no style. Il leone and le professeur to some, but the moustache and the nose to others.

The Professor.

Austria’s finest, 1993.

Who knew? Honestly, who really knew that Ayrton Senna would mean so much to so many people? Who honestly knew, back when this photo was taken in 1985, that this young man would go down as arguably the greatest racing driver of all time?

I have read contemporary reports, articles and interviews, and they all seem to indicate that anyone who was in contact with the Brazilian knew he was special. The raw talent and high levels of commitment were visible to all, but to become more revered than Fangio or Clark, who honestly knew?

The Professor at the Sand dunes, 1985.

Lewis Hamilton, 2008 Formula One world champion. Seen here in the god awful 2009 car he managed to win a Grand Prix with. Mark of a true champion.

Phil Hill leads his team mate Ricardo Rodriguez away from the start line straight along the long lap of the old Spa Francorchamps track, 1962.

Jim Clark, Nurburgring, 1964.