McLaren: where there's smoke there's fire!

©McLaren

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The unbearable wait to discover McLaren's 2017 livery continues as fans decipher complex codes regularly distilled by the Woking-based outfit.

McLaren executive Zak Brown already hinted at the car's partially 'retro' look last week, something echoed by Stoffel Vandoorne.

Speculation is that McLaren's 'creative director' may have imbedded a bit of Papaya orange on the car as a tribute to the team's roots and history.

McLaren's Twitter banner pic was changed to an illuminated orange line silhouette underlining the car's 2017 launch date, while the team also tweeted a subtle picture of a couple of cars being serviced in its heritage bays, one of which is orange!

We still have some weeks to go, but it all points to the return in some nuance of the Papaya! Getting there...

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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.