Stefano Domenicali lights the way to Milano Cortina 2026

©milanocortina2026

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©milanocortina2026

This week, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali traded the sport’s paddock for a snow-dusted jog, serving as a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Last Wednesday, the Italian executive carried the Olympic flame through the breathtaking Ladin territory, making a notable stop at Lake Carezza before concluding the morning in Moena.

Joined by legends like cross-country skiing icon Franco Nones and curling gold medalist Amos Mosaner, Domenicali braved heavy snow to help bring the flame to its final evening destination in Cavalese.

This prestigious relay appearance follows Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s own torch-bearing stint in the rain earlier this week. With the Games set to ignite Italy from February 6-22, it seems the "pinnacle of motorsport" is finding plenty of ways to keep the fire burning before the 2026 season officially kicks off.

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.