A tricky but spectacular Red Bull homecoming

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On his way to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, Red Bull's Max Verstappen enjoyed a stop-over in nearby Graz where he warmed up the crowds with a run up the city's famous Schloßberg at the wheel of an ear-splitting V8-powered RB7.

The show-run was a homecoming of sorts for Red Bull Racing before its home race and included the presence on site of one of Graz's most famous sons, the good Doctor Helmut Marko.

It was a bit of a tricky run for Max, which ended on cobble stones that put the RB7's suspension and ride-height to the task.

"Apart from driving in the snow in Kitzbühel, I would say this is one of the most challenging show runs I’ve done," said the Dutchman.

"Driving up a mountain road is very bumpy and the car touches the ground a lot, so you have to be really careful, but it all worked out well."

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.