There's no place like home for Robert Shwartzman

©Formula3

40

©Formula3

Ferrari junior Robert Shwartzman wrapped up the FIA Formula 3 title thanks to a runner-up spot in race 1 at his home race at Sochi.

The 20-year-old Russian hopeful and Prema charger followed teammate Marcus Armstrong across the line on Saturday morning, but the result was good enough to seal the crown with one round to spare.

"I still can’t believe we’ve achieved this," said the local hero.

"At the beginning of the season, I had dreams about it that it was possible to do it, but I wasn’t really sure because it was a new category for me and for my team so I had no idea where we would end up.

"From the first weekend in Barcelona however, I already felt the big power from my team. The target was to do a good result and make no mistakes. And yeah, finally we end up here today."

What's next for Shwartzman? Most likely a step up to Formula 2 in 2020, perhaps with Prema.

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.