Proud parents brandish son's F1 trophies for the first time

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Mercedes opened its doors in Brackley to two special visitors on Monday who were given the royal tour of the F1 team's HQ.

Alison and Steve Russell were all smiles as they held two of their son's F1 trophies, a first for the Mercedes driver's proud parents.

As Russell pointed out in a post on social media, his motorsport career and journey to Formula 1 has been "a proper family effort".

And as he witnessed the occasion, Russell was just as proud as his Mom and Dad "to see the smiles on their faces".

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.