McLaren boys go artsy-crafty for a good cause

McLaren drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris are wearing self-designed hand-painted helmets this weekend at the Nürburgring, and they are doing it for a good cause.

Last August the pair got together to channel their inner creativity and splash on a myriad of colors on their special canvas in support of McLaren's partnership with 'Mind', a UK charity that provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

McLaren's initiative at this weekend's Eifel GP shines a spotlight on the papaya squad's support for World Mental Health Day.

Since launching the partnership with Mind in July, McLaren has so far raised more than £190,000 through donations from fans and team members, including the #MoveforMind challenge, ecommerce sales of merchandise and a prize draw of the drivers’ own helmet designs.

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.