The logistics of F1's 2021 calendar mean that after their opening round in Bahrain teams are already back in Europe which in turn signifies the return in the paddock of the homes away from home.
The branding changes on the grid for Aston Martin and Alpine have led to cosmetic changes for their respective motorhomes.
Also, McLaren hasn't erected its impressive Brand Center hospitality unit at Imola but a different motorhome that is a temporary shelter for the team.
The reason for the change is McLaren's decision to downsize its three-storey Brand Center to adapt the unit to more sustainable specifications regarding both the building's logistics and transportation as well as its exploitation. The team's transformed motorhome is set to appear next month in Monaco.
"I don't want to go too much into detail but one focus was clearly to have a solution for us in place for McLaren in the future which is much more sustainable in terms of how to transport it, how to set it up, and how to use it," explained McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl.
"The clear objective was a more sustainable solution."
So the days of the extravagant "gin palaces" as F1 chief Ross Brawn has labeled the paddock residences may be numbered.
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.