Race and classic pictures

Professor Wolff gives a lecture at Harvard University!

A college dropout is perhaps an unlikely candidate to give a lecture to a group of business students at Harvard University, unless the "academic loser" happens to be the most successful team boss in F1 history.

Last week, students of Harvard Professor Alita Elberse's marketing class had the privilege of listening to Toto Wolff as the Austrian educated the group about the complexities of F1's fast-paced world and the many management and structural ingredients necessary to achieve success.

But the privilege was mutual according to the Mercedes boss.

"I am so happy to be here and I’m not just saying that as a college dropout, academic loser," said Professor Wolff, standing at the blackboard.

"To end up in front of you guys as students of Harvard in the Harvard campus feels really great. And contributing a little bit to your course, who would have thought that?"

With 115 Grand Prix wins and eight consecutive F1 Constructors' titles, the Brackley squad is undoubtedly the perfect case study for Harvard's esteemed students seeking to understand the benefits of excellence and efficient management.

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.

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