SportPesa gives Racing Point drivers an extra boost of motivation

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Never a team to shy away from a good cause SportPesa Racing Point F1 is promoting a new initiative this weekend at its home race at Silverstone.

The 'SportPesa Grid That Gives' fundraiser will see Racing Point title sponsor SportPesa donate $1,000 to Breast Cancer Care for every position gained by Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll from their grid spot in Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The scheme should undoubtedly provide Racing Point's chargers with an extra dose of motivation.

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The new initiative from SportPesa builds on the existing partnership between Breast Cancer Care and SportPesa Racing Point F1 Team, which has raised over £212,000 to date since 2017.

The money raised has helped the charity fund life-changing support for people affected by breast cancer in the UK.

Continuing this commitment to Breast Cancer Care’s vital work, SportPesa has pledged a minimum donation of £50,000 to the charity through SportPesa Grid That Gives, which will not be capped, by the end of the 2019 season.

This means that SportPesa Racing Point F1 team is guaranteed to surpass its original £250,000 fundraising target for Breast Cancer Care by 2020.

"We are proud of the work that has been done through our partnership with Breast Cancer Care, and it’s great to see SportPesa joining our efforts to raise further awareness and funds," said Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer.

"The work of this charity makes a real difference to those people affected by breast cancer and with SportPesa’s commitment we will surpass the £250,000 fundraising target we set two years ago.

"SportPesa’s idea adds some fun to proceedings and is a wonderful way to combine our performance on track with raising money for such an important cause."

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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.