They say that behind every successful man there's a strong woman, and for Brazilian Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen, that woman on Sunday was Red Bull senior strategy engineer Hannah Schmitz.

Many appeared surprised to see the Dutchman flanked by Hanna on the podium, and indeed even Sky F1's David Croft was at a loss to name the soaked-in-champagne jubilant RBR representative.

But team boss Christian Horner gave credit where credit was due, insisting the team's strategist - who recommended that Verstappen pit on lap 52 - share the laurels of success.

"All credit to Hannah today," said Horner. "She offered the strategy; her recommendation was to pit.

"It was a bold choice, we knew he'd (Hamilton) do the opposite. It was the aggressive choice and it worked out.

"That’s' why I sent her up today. She's a working mum, she's driving ridiculous hours to come in to work, giving it everything and that's real team work."

Well done Hannah!

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.

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