Race and classic pictures

When a picture is worth a thousand words

A devoted McLaren fan and a personal friend of long-time shareholder Mansour Ojjeh, actor Michael Douglas is a regular visitor to the Canadian Grand Prix.

The 72-year-old Hollywood star was on hand on Saturday, along with Zak Brown and Mansour, to present Fernando Alonso with a special gift commemorating his participation in the 2017 Indy 500.

The picture shows Alonso exiting Turn 4 in the distance, with his name and number at the top of the Speedway's timing tower as the official leader of the Indy 500!

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.