Vamos Gabi: F2 champion ready for the big time

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Gabriel Bortoleto, take a bow! The 20-year-old Brazilian dazzled in Abu Dhabi to claim the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship after finishing second in Sunday's feature race.

The future Sauber F1 charger joined the likes of Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Charles Leclerc who sealed back-to-back titles as rookies in F3 and F2.

Despite title rival Isack Hadjar stalling on the grid, Bortoleto kept his cool, mixing calculated aggression with samba-style flair. Although Joshua Duerksen pipped him to the win, it was Bortoleto who was left truly dancing into the spotlight.

Audi-Sauber awaits in 2025, but we can't wait to see what he'll bring to the grid!

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.