Leclerc preps for vertical ascent in 2022

An F1 driver's pre-season physical preparations typically involve daily workouts and hours of sweating it out in the gym.

At Val Gardena in the Dolomites where he started his training in earnest this week, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took a break from the weight bench and running machine to tackle a vertical and icy ascent, ice axe in hand.

It's anybody's guess if 2022 will be a gripping cliffhanger for Ferrari. But the Monegasque is prepared...

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.