AF Corse extends Ferrari's winning streak beyond F1

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While the Scuderia was basking in the glory of its remarkable home win at Monza thanks to Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s WEC hypercar chargers were hard at work in Austin extending the manufacturer’s triumphant weekend.

In a thrilling climax to The Lone Star Le Mans six-hour race at the Circuit of The Americas, the privately run AF Corse Ferrari 499P steered by Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Robert Shwartzman edged out Toyota to claim victory.

The event was an intense battle between the two teams that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the checkered flag. But the #83 car’s triumph was also a “redemption” for the private outfit’s near win at Le Mans back in June.

“I think we can call it redemption for Le Mans,” said Shwartzman after the Austin win. “That was a big loss for us; it hurt a lot.

“After our retirement at Le Mans where we were big contenders for so long, I’ve been waiting for a moment like this.

“We were hungry for that win and finally we got it here.”

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.