Hauger secures FIA Formula 3 title in Sochi!

Red Bull protégé Dennis Hauger snatched the FIA Formula 3 Championship title in Sochi with two races to spare following his runner-up spot behind Logan Sargeant in Friday's race.

The Prema charger's crowning was helped by title rival Jack Doohan failing to score any points the first round of racing in Russia.

Starting fourth, Hauger steadily progressed to second from he fended off P3 man Viktor Martins.

A four-time winner this season in F3, Hauger's banner season will see the 18-year-old Norwegian step up to Formula 2 next year, likely with Prema, according to Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko.

"He will drive for us in Formula 2 in 2022 and there is only one step to make after that," said Marko after Hauger's win.

"It does require him to continue to improve very much in the same way that he has this season. He is not there yet."

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.