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Piastri welcomed into McLaren family at Woking

McLaren's new recruit Oscar Piastri was welcomed to Woking this week and formally introduced to his new team ahead of his F1 debut in 2023.

The highly rated young Aussie has already tested with team papaya, both officially in Abu Dhabi last week and privately at several tracks as part of the outfit's Testing of Previous Cars programme.

After getting acquainted with the McLaren crews at Woking that will support his efforts next season, Piastri will resume his preparations for 2023, with an extensive test programme still ahead of him.

But the 21-year-old will also take some time out during the holidays to travel back home to Australia and visit his family before setting off for the start of his big adventures in F1.

"I'll be seeing family and friends whilst I am back in Australia and enjoying a bit of sun while it is available," commented Piastri this week.

"Mainly, I will focus on being as physically fit as possible for the start of the year. Then I'll be back, continuing to build my relationship with the team and learning what the car will be like."

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.