Wolff's Mercedes heritage flight for past and present stars

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Once a Mercedes driver, always a Mercedes driver – and apparently always welcome aboard Toto Wolff’s unofficial “Wolff Airlines.”

Towering at the back like a satisfied captain on the trip back to Europe after last weekend’s Chinese GP, Wolff presides over a cabin that looks more like a family reunion than a post-race flight.

Up front, George Russell is flanked by familiar faces: former Silver Arrows stalwarts Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, both still very much part of the inner circle. Along for the ride are Susie Wolff and Carmen Montero, reinforcing the sense that Mercedes is less a team, more a travelling tribe.

Noticeably absent, however, is Shanghai race winner Kimi Antonelli. Perhaps a maiden victory isn’t quite enough to earn a seat on this private just yet. A few more wins, and boarding pass privileges might follow for the young Italian.

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.