Special guest rounds off McLaren's test in Barcelona

©McLaren

The McLaren F1 team conducted a two-day test in Barcelona this week, putting Pato O’Ward and Ryo Hirakawa through their paces as part of the team’s driver development programme.

But on Friday, McLaren boss Zak Brown donned his overalls and helmet for a few hot laps of his own onboard team papaya’s 2021 MCL35M, the outfit’s last winning Grand Prix car.

Brown's foray onto the track underlined his genuine passion, which he regularly puts to good use in historic events, and the American was all smiles after his stint.

But it was likely a tight fit for the McLaren boss. Unless the team has built a “CEO-sized” edition of its F1 charger…

©McLaren

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.