Race and classic pictures

Red Bull unveils new 'cozy cabin' Energy Station

The return to Europe typically kicks off F1 teams' development and upgrade cycle but it's not just the cars that will enjoy a few significant changes in Barcelona.

In Barcelona, teams once again return to their 'home away from home', their lavish hospitality units where exclusive guests, team personnel and media converge during the race weekend.

Following 14 years of distinguished service, Red Bull's Energy Station has been permanently dismantled and replaced by its successor, the F1 Holzhaus (or Wood House).

Mind you, it's not your typical cozy log cabin but a massive 1221m² unit made of sustainably sourced Austrian timber that can be erected in less than two days and taken down in one by a crew of 25.

"By having such a spacious layout, this provides both teams with a warm, state of the art working environment, which will result in an extra incentive to go to the track in the morning," says Toro Rosso team boss Franz Tost.

"It’s very important to keep the morale of our team members high, especially considering how much time they spend at the circuit, so to have such an amazing structure ensures we will find them all happy."

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.