David Coulthard elected as the BRDC's new president

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Former Grand Prix driver David Coulthard has been elected as the new president of the venerable British Racing Drivers' Club.

The 13-time F1 winner, who raced for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull, will take over from Paddy Hopkirk who was the BRDC's president since 2017.

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"I and my fellow board Members are delighted to welcome David Coulthard as president of the BRDC," said BRDC Chairman John Grant.

"We are confident that, in David, we have a president who is not only a greatly talented racing driver but also a successful businessman with an enviable network of contacts in the motorsport world which, together with his experience, should be of great benefit to the club."

The BRDC's election took place earlier this week, and also confirmed four-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti as the institution's vice-president.

Coulthard's responsibilities with the BRDC will not impact his current commitments as a commentator in F1 with Britain's Channel 1 or his involvement with the W Series.

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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.