Monger back to the grind, come what may in 2019

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Billy Monger's hunger for racing is insatiable, and while his 2019 programme has yet to be defined, the amazing young Brit is preparing for whatever opportunity will come his way.

The 19-year-old who lost his legs in a horrendous crash in F4 in 2017 drove in BRDC British F3 this year, finishing sixth in the series, and now ambitions to join the ranks of the new FIA European F3 series.

"It would be a great step for me to make," Monger told Autosport.

"That's plan A, that's what we're aiming for. It offers a lot, being on the F1 package obviously helps but also it's a new series - which I think will help me."

Monger's remarkable path back to racing has positively increased the awareness of disabled drivers in motorsport, a cause also helped by Robert Kubica's amazing return to the cockpit.

From specific "driver passports" to certifications linked to changes made to cars for disabled drivers, the FIA recently introduced several new proposals which will facilitate their access to racing, while also encouraging inclusion and maintaining safety standards.

As for Billy, the lure of Formula 1 is ever-present in his mind and has taken over from any thoughts about his condition.

"I want my legacy to be for being one of the greatest F1 drivers, or just being an F1 driver really," he says.

"If I could somehow manage to make that dream a reality, I think that would be a real awesome achievement for me, and a legacy I would be proud of."

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.