The Trump effect: A winning papaya parade at McLaren

Taking a break from his legal escapades, Donald Trump stirred up some excitement at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, the former US president choosing McLaren as his port of call.

With cameras flashing and the crowds opposite the outfit’s garage buzzing with chants, probably more in awe of the spectacle than anything else, the Don – whose complexion and hair blended in nicely with the team’s papaya – struck a few poses as he mingled with McLaren boss Zak Brown

Naturally, this sparked a bit of a brouhaha. People scratching their heads, wondering why on earth F1 and McLaren were rolling out the red carpet for Trump.

But fear not, folks, McLaren swooped in with a clarification faster than a pit crew changing tyres. They made it crystal clear: this wasn't about politics.

“McLaren is a non-political organisation however we recognise and respect the office of President of the United States,” raed a statement from McLaren.

“So when the request was made to visit our garage on race day we accepted alongside the president of the FIA and the CEO’s of Liberty Media and Formula 1.

“We were honoured that McLaren Racing was chosen as the representative of F1 which gave us the opportunity to showcase the world class engineering that we bring to motorsport.”

So, just a cameo from the man who knows how to make an entrance, whether you love him or love to hate him.

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.