From karting lads to genuine Grand Prix winners

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We've published before this poignant old fuzzy picture of four impassioned kids during their early days in karting.

Likely taken circa 2004, the shot brings together Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Charles Leclerc and their good mate Anthoine Hubert.

Spurred on by their dreams, they shot for the moon but hardly believed that they would one day land among the stars. Alas, the tight-knit group's innocence was shattered in 2019 following Anthoine's tragic death at Spa.

Almost two years on from that fateful day, the picture is now an even more remarkable remnant from the past, as it's likely the only shot that exists that brings together at such a young age three future Grand Prix winners.

There's no doubt that Anthoine will have been looking down with pride on Esteban Ocon this weekend as he joined Charles and Pierre among F1's victors.

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.