An F1 paddock stripped to its bare necessities

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The paddock at the Red Bull Ring is slowly taking shape for this weekend's season opening Austrian GP, and the current view offers a glimpse of the spartan installations that will be used.

Team personnel won't be housed in their traditional luxurious motorhomes, but in tents and light structures located directly at the back of the pit garages where social distancing will be in force.

Each team will be allowed a maximum of 80 staff members in their safety "zone" while the paddock's restricted population will also include F1's suppliers, members of the organizing staff and the FIA.

It's a rather desolate state of affairs, but one that is necessary to finally get the 2020 season into gear.

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.