Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsWilliams

Billionaire Stroll interested in Williams

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Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll is rumored to be interested in buying a stake in Williams Grand Prix.

The fashion mogul currently funds the career of his 16-year-old son Lance, a member of Ferrari's driver academy, and acquiring a holding in the British team would obviously facilitate young Stroll's enrollment at Williams and subsequent road to F1 stardom.

According to Italian publication Autosprint, Laurence Stroll had at one point been interested in investing in Sauber, but is now setting his sights on the Grove outfit.

Historically, founder Frank Williams has never been an advocate of taking on and mentoring young talent, although Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg have been exceptions to that rule in the past given their success in junior categories of racing before accessing F 1.

Stroll was also supposedly interested in acquiring a stake in Formula 1 itself as commercial rights holder CVC seeks to part with its investment. But Bernie Ecclestone has made clear that not any investor would be entrusted with the future of the sport, regardless of their worth or credentials.

Click here for a lighter look back at some scenes from the British Grand Prix

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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.