A beaming smile behind the mask says it all for Russell

George Russell broke out into a beaming smile that even his mask couldn't hide when he tried out for size his Mercedes ride for next weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix.

Stepping up from perhaps the slowest car on the grid to F1's fastest contender is a daunting task, but Russell will no doubt make the most of the unexpected but amazing opportunity to showcase his undisputable talent.

And who knows, this weekend's one-off could be the harbinger of a full-time involvement with the mighty Mercedes team after 2021, a fantastic warm up of sorts for the 22-year-old charger.

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.