Mick enjoys a karting workout at Kerpen

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Ahead of last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, Mick Schumacher was praying for rain, insisting he could perhaps rely on the elements to try and snatch a good result.

Unfortunately, Schumacher got more than his bargained for as the horrendous conditions led to a veritable debacle on Sunday.

But Spa's proximity to Kerpen and to the Schumacher family's karting track, where Mick's famous father first learned his chops, encouraged the Haas rookie to put some mileage under his belt before moving on to Zandvoort next weekend, where hopefully clement skies await.

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.