From pit lane to plate: F1 bosses share a fun bite!

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The heads of Formula 1’s ten families put their fierce on-track rivalries on hold on Friday evening at Imola to enjoy a moment of unity around a good meal.

The dinner, organized by Formula 1 CEO and Imola native Stefano Domenicali, produced an all-too-rare opportunity for the group to indulge in a bit of light-hearted fun with apparently a bit of fascinating storytelling to boot.

“It was surprisingly fun," Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff told Sky Sports F1.

"It was a bit tense at the beginning. I wasn't planning to talk to everyone, but at the end, we were talking to each other and the knives were packed back in the pocket.

"And you know, Stefano said a good thing about how lucky we are to play this sport and be involved. And so we had a good time that was really nice to see."

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.