Norris gets a pole-position welcome at old primary school

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Fresh from pre-season testing and with a world title now stitched onto his racing overalls, Lando Norris traded pit lanes for playgrounds on Monday as he returned to Chew Stoke Church School – the very classrooms where his journey first began.

The 2025 F1 world champion was welcomed like a home-grown hero, with pupils lining the entrance waving flags and cheering as if he’d just taken pole position outside the school gates.

What followed was less about lap times and more about life lessons: photos with star-struck students, a whole-school assembly about ambition and motivation, a lively Q&A, even a heartfelt poem and gifts presented by two proud pupils.

Norris then toured every classroom, signing memorabilia and answering questions before leaving each child a gift of his own. The visit ended with him being named an honorary member of the school society, a full-circle moment dripping with charm.

As the school later shared: "We are so incredibly grateful that Lando made a special visit to Chew Stoke. It is an experience the children and whole school community will not forget. We are certain it has inspired our pupils to aim high, dream big and remember anything is possible."

A champion on track – and clearly, still top of the class off it.

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.