Race and classic pictures

Shooting for the moon, before landing among the stars

Red Bull's junior class of 2009 was a proud-looking crew of talented hopefuls who would all go on to race in Formula 1 with various fortunes.

Jean-Eric Vergne and Brendon Hartley have since departed the grid while Daniil Kvyat left, came back and then left again. McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo raced on to become a seven-time Grand Prix winner and Carlos Sainz is now gunning for glory with Ferrari .

But one young Red Bull charger - who was a mere 12-year-old karter when this picture was taken - would go on to leapfrog the entire group. But Max Verstappen's story is a look back for another day…

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.

Recent Posts

Russell on McLaren’s team-order talk: ‘Not acceptable of fair’

As Abu Dhabi prepares to crown a world champion, McLaren has finally cracked the door…

56 mins ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Norris edges Verstappen in opening practice

Lando Norris opened the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in commanding fashion, topping the…

2 hours ago

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Free Practice 1 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina,…

2 hours ago

F1 drivers squeeze in tradition before Abu Dhabi epic

On the eve of Formula 1’s thrilling 2025 title decider in Abu Dhabi, the entire…

3 hours ago

Hamilton won't miss current F1 cars - but fears 2026 'might be worse'

As Formula 1 prepares to wave goodbye to its current rule set in Abu Dhabi,…

4 hours ago

F1 drivers rally around Antonelli after abuse from ‘scum of the earth’

On the eve of Formula 1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, drivers set aside championship…

5 hours ago