Race and classic pictures

Nicole Piastri’s fangirl moment with her true idol!

Last weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix, the F1 paddock served up a hilarious plot twist: Nicole Piastri, McLaren star Oscar’s mum, finally met her true idol – Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda!

Forget team loyalties, Nicole’s been Yuki’s biggest cheerleader since her iconic 2024 Monaco post on X, jokingly offering to “adopt” him after Charles Leclerc coopted Oscar – a Monaco resident – into his own family.

Sporting a grin as wide as Spa-Francorchamps, Nicole gushed, “You’re fantastic, Yuki!” while he signed a Red Bull cap, chuckling about not getting her in trouble.

The paddock’s favorite mum, known for her viral X posts, proved she’s Team Tsunoda at heart, even with her son racing for McLaren.

“Backing my boys!” she teased, leaving us wondering if Oscar’s now sharing mum’s love with his rival.

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.

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