Race and classic pictures

From fan to foe: Piastri's remarkable F1 journey

As an aspiring teenage racer who had migrated from his native Australia to the UK, Oscar Piastri once stood proud in front of the imposing Red Bull Racing factory in Milton Keynes, his eyes wide with awe and dreams of Formula 1 glory.

Little did he know that years later, he would find himself on the front row of an F1 Grand Prix as a talented rookie racing with McLaren, ready to go head-to-head against Max Verstappen, the leader of the very team whose factory he had once visited.

The picture beautifully captures the essence of "How it started, how it's going," showcasing the incredible journey of a young man who turned his aspirations into a reality, transitioning from an excited young karter to a formidable competitor in the pinnacle of motorsport.

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.