Montoya signs up with Ferrari!

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There's no denying good genes, as 12-year-old Sebastian Montoya's enrollment into the Ferrari Driver Academy proves.

The young son of seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has apparently impressed the House of Maranello with his performance and skills in karting following his first full season of racing in Europe in 2017.

Supported by his famous father, Montoya joins the Scuderia's prestigious junior programme which includes the likes of Sauber's Charles Leclerc, Giuliano Alesi, Antonio Fuoco and Enzo Fittipaldi, the 16-year-old grandson of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi.

Mercedes scouting for 'next Hamilton' in karting ranks

The youngest member of the FDA will compete this year in the OKJ category of the European Karting Championship with the competitive Tony Kart outfit which enjoys a close relationship with Ferrari.

As part of his tutoring and grooming programme, Montoya will receive driver training as well as advice and support on dieting and media work.

It's early days, but the Montoya name could find its way back to Formula 1. Especially as papa Montoya will be right there by Sebastian's side.

"We had a really good conversation with him about it," said the former Williams and McLaren racer.

"I said ‘look I can have myself teach you, or I can hire somebody who never made it, I mean doing another job because he never made it, to teach him. It’s up to you’.

"And he understood the message, and we work rally well together."

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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.