Sainz and Leclerc take the scenic route home… in a van!

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From champagne in Baku to a van in the middle of Italy – Carlos Sainz’s celebration tour took an unexpected detour on Sunday evening.

Hours after bagging his first podium with Williams, Sainz was back behind the wheel, along with former Ferrari teammate-turned-travel buddy Charles Leclerc, driving through dark tunnels and winding roads after their flight from Azerbaijan to Nice was grounded by storms.

“So, after a difficult weekend in Baku, I thought it couldn't get any worse, but…” Leclerc sighed to camera in an Instagram post before revealing Sainz behind the wheel.

Cue Carlos’ deadpan delivery: “We are driving a van! In the middle of Italy. We were diverted for a storm, we couldn't land in Nice, so we landed in the middle of Italy.

“We rented a van, and now we are on our way to Monaco. A two-hour drive, and we will make it in one hour and a half!” Sainz quipped, flooring it with podium-winning confidence.

Forget private jets — this is how legends road-trip. Two F1 stars, one rental van, and a stormy detour even Netflix couldn’t script.

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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.