Race and classic pictures

Zhou unveils 'bubble tea' helmet for Singapore

Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu is marking his maiden Singapore GP with a flashy new helmet livery promoting his favourite drink: bubble tea!

Formula 1 returns to the Marina Bay venue this week for the first time since 2019, and not a moment too soon for fans of the always entertaining night race.

In the usually sweltering heat and humid environment, it's important for drivers to stay hydrated. And Zhou has chosen 'bubble tea' as his favourite beverage and subsequently as the main theme of his bright red lid.

The Chinese driver explained on Twitter that the inspiration for his new helmet design came from his visit to the Australian GP back in April, when, roaming the streets of Melbourne he noticed "so many bubble tea stores" as he tweeted at the time.

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.