F1 News, Reports and Race Results

New title sponsor to take a bet on Racing Point in 2019

Racing Point could be shedding its pink color this season after securing a major sponsorship deal with online sports betting company SportPesa.

According to a report from RaceFans' Dieter Rencken, Racing Point has agreed a two-year title sponsorship deal with its new partner that is worth an alleged $18 million.

The team led by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll - which acquired the assets of Force India last summer after the latter's fall into administration - plans to unveil its deal with SportPesa at the official launch of Racing Point's 2019 season set to take place at the Toronto Motor Show on February 13th.

Stroll vows to make Racing Point 'one of the greatest teams' in F1

At this stage it's unsure whether prominent Racing Point sponsor BWT - which gave its trademark pink color to Force India in 2017 - will continue with the team, or what could be the scope of its involvement.

SportPesa is described as a sports betting platform with operations in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, the Isle of Man and the UK.

The company is owned and operated by Pevans East Africa, a entity with shareholders from mostly Kenya, Bulgaria and the United States.

Given the friendship between Lawrence Stroll and Flavio Briatore, and the flamboyant Italian's acquaintance with Kenya, one would not be surprised to learn that the former Benetton and Renault team boss may have had a hand in the deal. That's just pure speculation however.

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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.