Sonny Hayes stands tall among his peers at Silverstone

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©Formula1/Twitter

The convergence of the worlds of Formula 1 and Hollywood was a sight to behold ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix when Brad Pitt stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his real-life F1 'colleagues' during the pre-race national anthem ceremony at Silverstone.

The formal moment brought together the thrilling glamour of motorsport and the allure of Hollywood, as Pitt immersed himself in the role of Sonny Hayes, a veteran driver who returns to his former APXGP F1 team to mentor a young rookie who is painfully learning the ropes.

The presence of the A-list actor on the grid not only added an extra touch of star power to the event but also highlighted the global reach and appeal of Formula 1, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.

It was a moment that bridged the excitement of live racing with the captivating realm of entertainment, showcasing the shared passion and collective admiration for both F1 and the silver screen.

©Formula1/Twitter

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.