Brown rates Vandoorne: 'He's a future world champion!'

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Whether it's a question of particular insight or auto-promotion, McLaren's Zak Brown believes that Stoffel Vandoorne is world championship material.

The Belgian takes the baton from Jenson Button in 2017, competing in his first full season of F1.

Deputizing for an injured Fernando Alonso at Bahrain early last year, Vandoorne acquitted himself well for his F1 baptism of fire, bringing home a well deserved championship point.

"With Fernando Alonso and Stoffel we have two top drivers," said Brown.

"Vandoorne could potentially belong at the absolute top. That's right, I count Stoffel on the same list as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Ayrton Senna."

Vandoorne will fight and work with Alonso

That certainly high praise coming from the McLaren executive, but only time will tell whether the young charger lives up to his boss' expectations.

"Stoffel and Fernando together in one team will be great. Stoffel is an incredible driver, a future world champion.

"He will probably make some rookie mistakes, but he will learn quickly."

Indeed he will. But Alonso won't be waiting for him on the side of the track.

So Vandoorne's first point of reference will be his performance relative to his team mate, a man Zak Brown could have easily added to his list of all-time favourites.

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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.