Danny Ric enjoys his first McLaren perk

Only time will tell if Daniel Ricciardo's decision to join McLaren will pay dividends. But regardless of his sporting prospects with his new team, the Aussie's move to Woking is already a step up in terms of employee benefits.

While a trusty yellow Megane served its purpose during Ricciardo's two-year stint with Renault, a beastly Vega blue McLaren 765LT is definitely more in line with the Honey Badger's shining personality.

Ricciardo took his new set of wheels for a spin around his winter home in Los Angeles, and then went on a second date for some ice-cream.

Because birds of a feather stick together…

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.