Race and classic pictures

Young karters with a dream, which came true!

Childhood friends Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon battled in the frantic ranks of karting, dreaming of one day racing each other at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Both young men carved their way to the top, and this year they are reunited once again as bona fide Grand Prix drivers.

It was good times then, but even better times lie ahead for the two chargers.

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

A 6-year-old with a steely look of determination

Pierre Gasly celebrates his 30th birthday today, the Frenchman heading into his ninth full season…

2 hours ago

More purges at Red Bull as team flushes Horner era

Red Bull Racing is officially done with nostalgia. As the 2026 F1 season dawns, the…

3 hours ago

‘More chaotic racing’: Norris braces for F1’s wild new era

After sampling the 2026 machinery during last week’s Barcelona shakedown, Lando Norris is left with…

4 hours ago

Antonelli warns F1 energy management will be ‘chess at speed’

Kimi Antonelli believes Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulation overhaul will force drivers into a new…

5 hours ago

Thermal warfare: F1 rivals unite to melt Mercedes’ engine edge

Behind closed doors and in hurried conference calls, Mercedes’ rivals are scrambling to forge a…

7 hours ago

Brown wants Alonso Indy 500 reunion: ‘I’m bugging him about it’

Zak Brown isn’t done dreaming of unfinished business – and that dream wears a familiar…

22 hours ago