Whether it's on the track or on the chess board, every move must have a purpose, as both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz know all too well.

The Ferrari pair forms one of the most intriguing - and talented - line-ups of the 2021 season, and speculation is ramping up over how the rivalry will pan out.

Will Leclerc sustain the upper hand he enjoyed over Sebastian Vettel last season, or will Sainz swiftly get up to speed and challenge the Scuderia's favourite son?

The teammates began their thrilling rivalry with a game of chess on their way to Bahrain, and Sainz apparently had no inhibitions about attacking the opposing King.

A sign of things to come?

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.

Recent Posts

Monaco Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

It’s the most iconic and challenging track in Grand Prix racing, with as many pitfalls…

1 hour ago

Bearman rues Monaco setback and ‘strangest crash I’ve ever had’

A bewildered Oliver Bearman has admitted that his crash in Saturday’s final practice session in…

2 hours ago

Hadjar hails ‘good comeback’ in Monaco qualifying after Friday bust

Less than 24 hours after Monaco’s unforgiving barriers left him battered and short on confidence,…

4 hours ago

Monaco GP: Saturday's action in pictures

Saturday's qualifying at the Monaco GP will go down as one of the most tense…

13 hours ago

Verstappen says Monaco making him ‘feel like myself again’

Max Verstappen left Saturday’s Monaco Grand Prix qualifying with an unusually upbeat assessment, saying the…

14 hours ago

Norris: Monaco qualifying ‘a reality check’ for struggling McLaren

Lando Norris concluded his Saturday in Monaco with a visibly hardened outlook on McLaren’s current…

15 hours ago