Race and classic pictures

Schumacher in action with McLaren for Pirelli test

©Pirelli

Following last weekend’s British Grand Prix, a flurry of activity took place at Silverstone on Tuesday as several teams took part in a tyre development test organized by Pirelli.

This test day aimed to finalize the construction of F1’s 2025 tyres, although wet conditions precluded running Pirelli’s scheduled slick tyre programme.

However, Pirelli made the most of the situation by evaluating new intermediate tyre constructions.

Among the drivers in action at the Northamptonshire track was Mick Schumacher, running with McLaren in its current-spec MCL38 as part of the Woking-based team’s agreement with Mercedes and its reserve drivers.

Schumacher, who tested for the very first time with McLaren in July 2023 at Portimao, completed 53 laps as the young German contributed valuable data to Pirelli's analysis. Pietro Fittipaldi for Haas and Alex Albon for Williams were also in action at Silverstone as part of the Italian tyre supplier’s programme.

On Wednesday, all three drivers will cede their seat in their respective teams to Lando Norris, Ollie Bearman and Logan Sargeant.

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.

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