Verstappen mighty impressed with 'future star' Lando Norris

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Max Verstappen is impressed with what he sees from Lando Norris this year, and believes the McLaren junior is heading towards a bright future.

The 17-year-old young talent is currently leading the fiercely competitive European F3 field.

Verstappen got a better look at Norris' skills at the in-season F1 test in Hungary before the summer break, and last weekend at Zandvoort during a round of the junior F3 series.

"Lando Norris is very strong, and he is only 17 years old," said the Red Bull Racing driver.

"Clearly he is promising for the future and a driver we'll hear a lot about."

With Norris, McLaren may have a 'superstar' on its hands

Verstappen also thinks F3 is a good platform from which to spring into F1.

"I was able to learn a lot and found that the cars are not unlike Formula 1," he said.

"I'm sure F3 is one of the main reasons I made it so quickly into F1."

The highest profile driver in European F3 this year is undoubtedly Mick Schumacher, the 18-year-old son of seven time world champion Michael. And Max Verstappen had a bit of advice for the German.

"If I had to give Mick some advice, then it would be to concentrate completely on yourself. Don't look left and right to the others.

"It sounds simple but I think it's the right recipe," the Dutchman added.

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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.