Old man Sainz makes it a Dakar hat trick!

©A.S.O.

McLaren driver Carlos Sainz Jr. often expresses his utmost admiration for his father's outstanding achievements in the world of rallying.

There's no doubt the 25-year-old's reverence for his dad - 'El Matador' as he is aptly known - will have gone up another notch following Carlos Sainz Sr's splendid third win in the Dakar on Friday.

After clinching four stage wins in the grueling two-week event, Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz had put themselves in control at the top of the car rankings onboard their X-raid Mini.

The 57-year-old took no risks on the final 167km stage, retaining an edge over Toyota's Nasser Al Attiyah who ultimately pipped Mini's Stephane Peterhansel for second.

Fourth on the day after a productive run, two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso concluded his maiden Dakar in 13th place overall, some four and a half hours behind Sainz.

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.