Race and classic pictures

Vettel reunited with 'Kinky Kylie' for epic Nordschleife run

Sebastian Vettel was back behind the wheel of a Red Bull F1 car on Saturday at the Nürburgring for the first time since 2014, his last season with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

As part of a Red Bull show run on the German venue's legendary Nordschleife, Vettel was reunited with his 2011 championship winning RB7, nicknamed 'Kinky Kylie' by the three-time world championship and with which he claimed 11 victories that year en route to his second F1 world title.

Vettel roared around the winding, treacherous corners of the Ring's 'Green Hell', with David Coulthard in his stride in a moment of pure excitement for the local crowd.

"Today, you can see it’s packed. A lot of people. I think the turnout is 30,000 just in this section, which is amazing," enthused Vettel after his runs.

"A lot of flags, so thank you very much for the support. A lot of people came and I really enjoyed it. I had a blast!"

Sebastian Vettel, David Coulthard seen during the Red Bull Formula Nuerburgring at the Nuerburgring in Germany on September 9, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202309090358 // Usage for editorial use only //more
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.

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