McLaren and Gulf set to join forces once again!

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McLaren is apparently on the verge of reviving a partnership with Gulf Oil, a historical sponsor of the papaya squad back in the late 60s and early 70s.

A McLaren F1 show car branded with a Gulf sticker was spotted at a local Gulf petrol station on Thursday, with Lando Norris and McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown in attendance for a photo shoot.

McLaren terminated at the end of last year its previous oil and fuel supplier deal with Petronas. But it's unknown if Gulf has jumped onboard to replace the Brazilian company or if it has signed up for a one-off deal with the Woking-based outfit for next week's British Grand Prix.

A deal with Gulf Oil would revive a partnership that enjoyed success in Formula 1, Can-Am and IndyCar in the early 70s when McLaren ran multiple programs on both sides of the Atlantic.

But Gulf's racing identity is also forever linked with the power blue and orange Ford GT40s and Porsche 917s fielded back in the day by John Wyer.

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.