Snow joke: Russell hits a cold front

A Mercedes winter wonderland, they said. Perfect for honing car control, they said.

Last weekend in Sweden, George Russell stood pondering the art of ‘parking’ on a frozen Arctic lake, his Mercedes GT coupé serving as an unintentional snowplow.

Hands on hips, mumbling something about ‘understeer’, the three-time Grand Prix winner surveys the masterpiece: front end firmly lodged in a snowbank, door ajar as if the car itself had given up.

But hey, at least the scenery’s nice – and George’s winter driving skills? Well, let’s call it a work in progress.

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.