Race and classic pictures

The days of innocence of four kids with a dream

 

It's an old fuzzy picture, but it's hard not to tear up when looking at this shot of young karters Anthoine Hubert, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

As a tight-knit group of 8-year-olds, they played together, raced together and likely indulged in mischief together, laughing their hearts out along the way.

Spurred on by their dreams and passion, they shot for the moon. And Charles, Esteban and Pierre landed among the stars, where they patiently awaited Anthoine's arrival, all set to rekindle their childhood flock.

Whatever innocence was retained over the years by the gifted few was hopelessly lost in last Saturday's tragedy. But their memories of Antoine Hubert will endlessly survive.

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.

Recent Posts

Stella reveals ‘a useful characteristic’ driving Piastri progress

Oscar Piastri’s commanding victory in last Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix brought to light once again…

5 mins ago

Doohan slowly but surely solidifying spot with Alpine

Jack Doohan’s rookie season with Alpine is apparently on solid ground, with the Australian driver…

1 hour ago

Red Bull: Tsunoda delivered ‘solid weekend’ in Bahrain amid chaos

Red Bull were clearly disappointed with the outcome of last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, despite…

3 hours ago

Wolff lauds Russell’s ‘unbelievable’ Bahrain drive amid setbacks

Toto Wolff hailed George Russell’s “unbelievable drive” at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where the British…

18 hours ago

FIA rescinds Sainz grid penalty after Bahrain blunder

The FIA has corrected a controversial error by canceling a three-place grid penalty initially imposed…

19 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2025 Bahrain GP

Nico Hulkenberg, Kick Sauber (Disqualified): 4/10 Hulkenberg suffered a dreadful start to the Grand Prix,…

21 hours ago