Race and classic pictures

Clarkson’s beer run: A malty Alpine tradition

This week, gentleman farmer and TV presenter extraordinaire Jeremy Clarkson rolled into Enstone once again, trailer in tow, brimming with his own Hawkstone beer from his nearby Oxfordshire farm.

The occasion? Celebrating Alpine’s sensational double-podium finish in São Paulo.

This malty tradition began after the Monaco Grand Prix in 2023, when Clarkson marked Esteban Ocon’s podium with the delivery of 1,000 pints to the team, vowing to repeat the gesture for every Alpine top-three finish.

True to his word, the former Top Gear UK star shared a celebratory toast with Pierre Gasly—because nothing says ‘team spirit’ like beer and banter.

If Alpine keeps up its Brazilian form, Clarkson might need to trade his trailer for a tanker!

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.