These boots are made for racing!

©McLaren

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©McLaren

It's a troubled time for Stoffel Vandoorne, with a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the Belgian's F1 future.

On the one hand, there's no doubting the 26-year-old's talent when one remembers his very successful formative years in the sport. On the other, Stoffel has underperformed at McLaren relative to Fernando Alonso, although most would agree that going up against the Spaniard is a challenge many drivers would lose.

Our take? We still believe his potential is intact, but perhaps a salutatory change of scenery is in order.

In the interim, Vandoorne was the recipient of a new pair of racing boots for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. And the right sole is loaded with lead… Go Stoffel!

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.