Verstappen Sr. rallies to victory - and away from Horner

©Verstappen.com

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©Verstappen.com

Much was made of Jos Verstappen’s absence from the F1 paddock last weekend in Saudi Arabia, especially after the Dutchman’s incendiary comments in Bahrain on Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

While Jos may have inadvertently dodged a diplomatic disaster by not attending the race in Jeddah, the truth about his absence was far more peaceful.

The 52-year-old ex-F1 driver was busy carving his own path to victory, conquering the Rallye de Hannut in Belgium – ironically, at the wheel of a Red Bull-sponsored Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 by winning ten of the event's twelve stages.

Verstappen Sr’s rally adventure not only earned him a well-deserved trophy, but perhaps also a strategic escape from the potential pit lane fireworks that might have ensued with Horner after some of his more "spirited" critiques.

©Verstappen.com

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.