Ella Hakkinen claims first international karting win!

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Ella Hakkinen, the 12-year-old daughter of two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, tore up the racetrack in Cremona last weekend to claim her first major international karting success.

At the opening round of the new Champions of the Future Academy event in Italy, Ella finished second on the road in the junior category behind Aussie James Anagnostiadis.

But a post-race penalty handed to the latter elevated Mika’s ‘mini me’ to the top step of the podium.

There’s no denying her valuable DNA, but while most ex-drivers expect their boys to burn the rubber and continue their legacy, Ella is flipping the script faster than an F1 pit stop!

Move over Dad, it’s time for some Hakkinen girl power to shine!

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.