A dose of dolce vita in between the furor

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Few F1 folk are unhappy about extending their stay in Italy this week, with those with free time on their hands indulging in a dose of dolce vita as they find their way from Monza to Mugello.

Before heading south to Tuscany, Williams' George Russell undertook a colorful detour to enjoy a few days of rest on the picturesque and quaint shores of Lake Garda, to sample the 'sweet life' of an F1 driver racing in Italy.

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.