Leclerc goes full retro classic at Fiorano

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There's class, and then there's Ferrari class. A blend of stylish and dashing chic which, when combined with a touch of retro, puts the driver behind the wheel in... a class of his own.

Save for the prancing horse emblazoned on its hood, the stunning Ferrari 275 GTB entrusted to Charles Leclerc at Fiorano recently had little in common, on the surface, with the Monegasque's modern-day cutting edge F1 ride.

Yet it took just a few laps for the Scuderia charger to feel at home in the legendary Pininfarina-styled treasure.

"You can feel the story behind it and that’s what’s so nice," said Leclerc.

"I cannot imagine what it’s like to be racing with this car on a track. Today I came close to it.

"I was not pushing at the maximum but obviously, the feeling is great and to be racing back in the ’60s I think it was, with this car had to be something very, very special."

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.