Before travelling to Jeddah for this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, George Russell soberly laid flowers at the entry to Williams' factory in Grove.

There's no doubt that Sir Frank who left us on Sunday was massively proud of the young charger's personal development and blossoming in F1 with Williams Racing.

But Russell was just as proud to serve part of his apprenticeship in F1 under the guidance and leadership of Grand Prix racing's legendary team owner.

The British outfit and its drivers will race with a heavy heart this weekend, but they will press on, inspired by the spirit of Frank Williams and by the passion and determination of the team's former patriarch and figurehead.

"For Frank".

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.

Recent Posts

Hakkinen warns McLaren on Verstappen move: ‘Why rock the boat?’

Mika Hakkinen has urged McLaren to resist the temptation of making a blockbuster move for…

44 minutes ago

Veteran Aston Martin engineer Tim McCullough to exit team after 2026

Long-serving Aston Martin engineer Tim McCullough is reportedly set to leave the team at the…

2 hours ago

Brundle: F1 title fight ‘far from over’ after McLaren triumph

Martin Brundle believes the Formula 1 world championship is heading into the summer break with…

3 hours ago

Antonelli: ‘Still a long way to reach Verstappen and Norris’ level’

Kimi Antonelli is sitting comfortably at the top of Formula 1’s 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings,…

20 hours ago

Szafnauer: Root cause of Aston Martin ‘mess’ planted five years ago

Former Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has delivered a stinging verdict on Team Silverstone's…

21 hours ago

Hadjar details how he unlocked his consistency at Red Bull

Isack Hadjar believes one of his biggest challenges during his first season with Red Bull…

23 hours ago