Award winner Luke Browning cashes in on big F1 prize

©AstonMartin

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©AstonMartin

Luke Browning, the winner of the 2022 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, cashed in on his big prize as he enjoyed his first time behind the wheel of an F1 car.

The 21-year-old F3 charger – who also received a £200,000 bonus as part of his award – completed at Silverstone on Tuesday his dream test onboard Aston’s 2021-sepc AMR21.

“It was like a dream, really. Little boy’s dream come true, that’s for sure,” said Browning.

“It was just as fast as anyone might think it could be, it was absolutely ballistic. The power, the brakes, the high-speed downforce is just absolutely incredible.

“It’s a day I’ll always remember, that’s for sure, and I have to say I’m just so grateful to the BRDC, to Derek [Warwick], to Aston Martin Racing and Autosport and to everyone involved who makes this possible for young racing drivers.

“It’s the biggest prize for a junior youngster coming up and I’m very grateful. Just lost for words.”

©AstonMartin

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.