F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Blind F1 superfan gets the ride of his life, and it's a feel-good story!

Charaf-Eddin Ait-Tales may be visually impaired, but when it comes to Formula 1, as a superfan of the sport, he can see the action just as clearly as the next guy.

A casual encounter between Charaf - a regular visitor to the paddock - and F1 presenter Will Buxton led the latter to request a special favor from F1 Experiences - the promotional arm of F1 that puts fans in the heart of the action.

One component of that unit is its two-seater F1 car which pounds around on race weekends with Zsolt Baumgartner at the wheel, giving lucky fans a sense of Grand Prix exhilaration.

Buxton was so impressed with Charaf's passion with F1 that he secured a slot for the 29-year-old Frenchman onboard the two-seater last week in Spain.

The video conveys all the excitement and elation felt by its entranced passenger, and it's a feel-good story for everyone, F1 fan or not!

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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.

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