Enzo Fittipaldi joins Red Bull young driver programme

©RedBull

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko welcomed a new member into the energy drink company's junior driver programme: 21-year-old Enzo Fittipaldi.

The young Brazilian-American charger - the grandson of two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and the brother of Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi – currently drives for Charouz Racing System in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Fittipaldi sits sixth in the feeder series ahead of next week's final two races of the season in Abu Dhabi, having logged six podiums so far this year.

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"It is a great honour and a very important step in my career to join the Red Bull family, who are the reigning F1 champions," commented Fittipaldi.

"I am very grateful for this opportunity and I would like to thank Red Bull, Dr Helmut Marko and Christian Horner for their trust in me."

Next year, Fittipaldi will undertake a second full season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, but will switch his allegiance to front-running outfit Carlin.

Asked what had put Fittipaldi on Red Bull's radar, Marko pointed to the Brazilian-American's performance that exceeded expectations with Charouz.

"He performed in a midfield team, I would say," said Marko. "He was always there on the top.

"I think he had his ups and downs. And now he knows there's a chance. He will be with Carlin, which is a top team. And he’s a character."

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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.