McLaren veteran Neil Trundle gets fitting tribute

McLaren is honoring this weekend at Imola one of its most loyal employees, the venerable Neil Trundle, former chief mechanic to - among others - Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

Trundle's epic 33-year stint with McLaren began when his former Brabham colleague and Rondel Racing partner Ron Dennis ushered in a new era for the Woking-based outfit.

From McLaren's first MP4 carbon fibre chassis to the team's 'Golden Child', the dominant McLaren MP4/4, Trundle's unwavering dedication accompanied the team's triumphs.

Eventually, Trundle transitioned to the less frantic atmosphere of McLaren Heritage, wrenching on Woking's outstanding collection of revered machines and overseeing in recent years the development of the capable team that will now look after McLaren's historic cars.

This weekend, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris' MCL35 machines will carry a special message for Neil ahead of his well-deserved retirement.

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.