Vettel buys himself a ride with Williams!

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If Sebastian Vettel fails to secure a spot on the grid for 2021, he'll still have the luxury of driving an F1 car next year, and what a legendary machine it will be.

Vettel is a true scholar of the sport, and his keen interest in history has led him to acquire Nigel Mansell's 1992 championship-winning Williams FW14B, according to a report from Germany's Bild.

The iconic 'Red 5"' machine, which was last auctioned off by Bonhams in 2019 for an estimated £3 million, was ahead of its time thanks to its sophisticated hydraulic active suspension, a semi-automatic paddle shift gearbox and traction control.

©WRI2

Powered by a 3.5-litre V10 Renault engine, the FW14B was designer Adrian Newey's first masterpiece and the level of domination the car achieved in 1992 was outstanding.

Mansell went to town with 'Red 5', winning nine races out of the the championship's 16 rounds - a record at the time, while teammate Riccardo Patrese also collected a win.

One can only hope that Vettel will savour at some point the legendary car and not just keep it as a static display in his garage.

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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.