Stewart hands over Grand Prix Trust role to Brundle

Sir Jackie Stewart will be relinquishing his role of chairman of the Grand Prix Mechanics' Trust to former F1 driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle.

Stewart founded the charitable association over thirty years ago with the purpose of providing financial support to former F1 mechanics in times of need.

But the 77-year-old Scot has decided to hand over the baton to Brundle in order to devote more time to his wife, Lady Helen, who was diagnosed with dementia two years ago.

“It’s been a great trip and I’m very happy to have been part of something that hopefully has helped a lot of people," said Sir Jackie.

“It started with a wonderful group of people, Ken Tyrrell and Walter Hayes specifically, and right up until today we’ve had a great number of really prominent people from Formula 1 Grand Prix racing.

"To begin with it was solely for grand prix mechanics but now, as the motorsport world has changed, it’s only right that I change as well.”

Martin Brundle proclaimed himself honored and happy to pick up the mantle.

"I’m enormously honoured to be asked by Sir Jackie, with the approval of the Trustees, to take over his role as Chairman.

"First and foremost we have to thank him for the work he’s done over the last three decades to create, motivate and take the Trust forward.

"Quietly it’s helped an enormous amount of people in a very significant way. We’re proud of that and I admire the work he’s done.

“I fully understand his reasons for stepping down from various entities to enable him to refocus. I’ve been a Trustee now for 20 years and the Chairman’s are very big shoes to step into, but I relish the challenge.

“There’s a lot more work to be done and we need to expand, communicate and inform in order to keep up the invaluable support. We have some exciting plans.”

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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.