Charles Leclerc goes back to his roots

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Charles Leclerc will remember his maiden season of Grand Prix racing as a springboard to F1's celestial point: a drive with Scuderia Ferrari.

It's a massive opportunity for the 21-year-old, but also one that carries a heavy legacy, and an even bigger load of pressure and expectation.

Leclerc has the next two months to prepare for his new endeavor, but the Monegasque started his 2019 groundwork by going back to his roots this week and indulging in a day of karting.

As the end-of-year holidays approaches, or indeed at any time in our life, it's always useful to remind ourselves where we came from, for that is often what makes us who we are.

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.