Every chess master was once a beginner

The great Anatoly Karpov once said that chess is everything: art, science and sport. And it's also Mick Schumacher's favourite pastime in the paddock.

While many of his F1 rivals are riveted to their phones or computers when in recess, the Haas rookie exercises his mind and memory, devising strategies while learning to anticipate an opponent's next move.

Fluid intelligence and processing speed are common to both chess and Formula 1, as is the ability to operate at a peak performance level in a challenging task.

Schumacher is facing a steep learning curb as a young Grand Prix driver, but looking to his favourite game for a metaphor, the 22-year-old knows that every chess master was once a beginner.

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.