Happy 36 to Fernando Alonso!

©McLaren

August 29 is Fernando Alonso's 36th birthday, and McLaren fittingly posted an embellished picture of the Spaniard in his #29 Dallara at the Indy 500.

As he soon faces a decision about where he will be racing next season, Alonso admitted that, to date, his best moment this year had indeed been his trip to the Brickyard back in May.

And IndyCar may still be a possibility for 2018.

"Let's see in a month or so," he said on Thursday in Hungary.

"I've always said I'm very open to what may come in the future. I want to win next year and to win we need some good changes here (at McLaren). Many changes," Alonso insisted.

"If those happen, it is possible I stay but it's something I will consider in September."

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.