Race and classic pictures

The days of innocence of four kids with a dream

X (Twitter)X (Twitter)
FacebookFacebook
WhatsappWhatsapp

 

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

Horner on Lawson demotion: ‘You’ve got to be cruel to be kind’

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stabdsd by his team’s decision to demote Liam Lawson…

26 mins ago

Haas rolling the dice with risky VF-25 floor update in Suzuka

Haas heads into the Japanese Grand Prix weekend with a risky move after fast-tracking a…

2 hours ago

Japanese GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures

The Japanese Grand Prix roars into action this weekend at one of its most iconic…

3 hours ago

Norris: McLaren ‘unbeatable’is just rivals ‘talking crap’

Lando Norris, the current F1 championship leader, has hit out at suggestions that McLaren holds…

4 hours ago

A historic first, and last, for Andretti at Long Beach

Mario Andretti won the 1977 US Grand Prix West at Long Beach on this day…

5 hours ago

Hamilton calls doubts over faith in Ferrari ‘complete rubbish’

Lewis Hamilton has forcefully dismissed suggestions that he’s losing faith in Ferrari, calling such claims…

6 hours ago