Jos Verstappen gets official Red Bull talent-spotter role

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko has confirmed that Jos Vertsappen has taken on an official role with the energy drinks company.

The father of Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen will help the company discover and groom young talent, a role normally handled by Marko himself but time constraints has justified the enrollment of Verstappen Snr.

"It is a question of time, as there are clashes with junior races so that I cannot see them," said Marko, who attends all the Grands Prix.

"So we asked if he has the time and the inclination to visit certain races for us," he said, revealing that Verstappen's first assignment is the F3 race in Pau this weekend.

Marko praises F1's post-Ecclestone forward march

But Marko said Jos' scope will go beyond that as well.

"Jos was always closely involved in karting," he said.

"He can not only coach the drivers with his experience, but also look at the teams.

"The success in the development phase that he managed with Max is obvious," Marko said.

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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.