Race and classic pictures

McLaren boys take swings at the plate with Cardinals

Zak Brown, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri swung by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's London Stadium on Friday for some batting practice with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cards had made the trek across the pond for their match-up this weekend against the Chicago Cubs as part of Major League Baseball's second London Series.

The McLaren boys displayed their competitive spirit as they honed their batting skills under the guidance of the Cardinals' coaching staff.

Asked how easy he took to batting, Norris said: "It's easy, it's like swinging a golf club sideways!".

Maybe a McLaren-branded bat is just what the world of baseball needs!

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.