Clean-sweep Powell picks up where she left off

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Nearly 700 days after winning the final round of the 2019 W Series, Alice Powell enjoyed a clean sweep in the all-female championship's inaugural race of 2021.

After sitting out 2020 due to Covid-19, the WS girls produced an entertaining support act at the Red Bull Ring for their return to action, but Powell was untouchable throughout, leading from pole position and snatching the fastest lap.

The 28-year-old crossed the checkered flag ahead of fellow Briton Sarah Moore and Lichtenstein's Fabienne Wohlwend, while defending W Series champion Jamie Chadwick finished seventh.

"I struggled for the first couple of laps to push but I knew the pace would be there, and I was just focused on going forward," said Powell.

"It’s the perfect start and an amazing feeling, better than I had in 2019, so a massive thanks to W Series and F1 for such a great weekend."

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.