Pat Symonds joins Sky Sports F1

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Veteran Formula 1 designer Pat Symonds, who left his role as chief technical officer at Williams earlier this year, has joined Sky Sports commentary line-up for the 2017 season.

Symonds credentials include winning four world drivers' titles with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, and three constructors' championships in a career which spans over four decades.

The 63-year-old engineer will provide Sky Sports F1 with his expert technical views at a selection of races starting with the 2017 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"I have always been impressed with the quality and innovation of Sky's F1 coverage," Symonds said.

"It feels like a really exciting time to join the team ahead of such an unpredictable season and with all races being shown in UHD, it will be even more visually dramatic at every turn."

Sky Sports F1 boasts an impressive team of journalists and former drivers which include Martin Brundle, 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert, Simon Lazenby, David Croft, Natalie Pinkham, Ted Kravitz, Rachel Brookes, Paul Di Resta and Anthony Davidson.

The broadcaster will show all 20 races of this year's Formula 1 world championship live on Sky Sports F1.

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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.