Brown and Kristensen share podium at Estoril Classics

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Zak Brown was back behind the wheel last weekend, the McLaren Racing boss tackling two races at the Estoril Classics in Portugal alongside his new sidekick, nine times Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.

The pair shared duties onboard two machines form Brown’s personal collection: a former works 1974 Ford Capri RS that took part in the European Touring Car Championship back in the day, and an iconic 1981 Porsche 935.

Looked over by Brown’s very competent United Autosports crews, both cars – or rather their drivers – were victims of the vagaries of the weather and qualified well down the field.

But that didn’t dampen the pair’s enthusiasm with Kristensen and Brown finishing on the podium with the Porsche in their first race of the day.

In the second race, Kristensen enjoyed a blistering start from P18 on the grid to carry the Capri all the way up to P3 by the end of his stint. Alas, a brake issue forced the car into retirement, depriving Brown of his turn at the wheel.

Despite the mixed outcome, both men were happy to share their passion for a bygone era, proving that the spirit of competition and friendship thrives as strongly as ever in the world of historic motorsport.

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.