F1’s home heroes light up Silverstone Thursday

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Silverstone’s Thursday atmosphere was already at full throttle as Formula 1’s British contingent took centre stage in front of a roaring home crowd.

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Oliver Bearman and Arvid Lindblad lined up for a relaxed, fan-facing moment that looked more like a group of mates at a festival than elite athletes on the eve of a Grand Prix weekend.

With a line-up this stacked, the only thing louder than the fans was the collective dream of a home-race podium. Let's go racing, boys!

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.