Charles Leclerc is already on a tear...

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As he prepares for his maiden F1 season, and his very first Grand Prix, Sauber's Charles Leclerc has been tearing up the tarmac at his local karting track.

The 20-year-old Ferrari protégé will be an interesting case study to follow this season. After blitzing the field in F2 last year his outstanding talent suffers no doubt.

While Sauber has often been a good training ground in the past for young apprentices, Leclerc's likely ambition is to prove his mettle while learning the ropes before moving on to something much bigger: the House of Maranello!

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.