Brown and Newey swap more than just ideas at dinner

The lines between fierce F1 rivalries were blurred for a moment on Saturday evening at Pebble Beach, where Zak Brown and Adrian Newey convened for a dinner with friends.

Adding a playful twist to their outfits' rivalry, the McLaren boss and Red Bull's design guru swapped team caps at the dinner table, leaving F1 fans in an alternate reality.

Or was it a case of secret alliances and hidden team agendas?

Regardless, the moment was just another reminder that in F1, the unexpected is always just around the corner.

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.