Mercedes junior George Russell gets in-season F1 test

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Mercedes Junior and GP3 Series championship contender George Russell will run for the Silver Arrows outfit in the twi in-season test days scheduled at Budapest on August 1 and 2.

Russell will be drafted in for two days of work for Mercedes to gauge his ability.

But in-season testing is also governed by specific rules governing the allocated four days per team, per season. A driver who has competed in no more than two F1 races during his or her career must complete at least two of those four days.

Russell is understandably excited with the prospect of driving the new-spec W09 at the Hungaroring this summer.

"I’m just so excited to be testing the W08,” smiled George, who is attending this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix to embed himself further with the team.

"I’ve probably driven more virtual laps than anyone else with this car so it’s going to be incredible to drive it in reality!"

Indeed, along with his regular GP3 race schedule with Art Grand Prix, George Russell has completed significant simulator mileage for the team back at its base in Brackley and has been training with the physical demands of F1 in mind.

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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.