It's a good Gamble for McLaren

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Tuesday was a big day for 2018 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner Tom Gamble who drove an F1 car for the very first time.

The 17-year-old's prize for winning the coveted award was a session at Silverstone behind the wheel of a 2013 ex-Jenson Button MP4-29, and the experience naturally left the former BRDC British F3 winnerl with a massive impression.

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"It’s such a good car. I knew it’d be fast, but I didn’t think it would be that fast!" an ecstatic Gamble said.

"Everything, the speed is phenomenal, the braking, the aerodynamics. It’s awesome.

"I just want to keep going. It’s so good, such a good car. A massive thanks to McLaren for giving me the opportunity.”

"When I saw the [pit]-in board, I said, ‘I might just keep going’ – see what they say'."

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.