One very cool statistic...

40

For the first time in F1 history, Friday saw four current champions from four different FIA championships take part in an official Grand Prix practice session.

Yesterday, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was joined by 2017 WEC drivers' champ Brendon Hartley, FIA Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc and European F3 champion George Russell in the Brazilian GP's opening session.

It doesn't get any better than that!

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.