Max Verstappen gets his own grandstand!

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With the news that Max Verstappen will have a grandstand named after him at Spa this year, we can safely say the Dutch prodigy has now reached cult status!

The story is more about commercial opportunity than fan fervency however. The deal came about as a result of Verstappen's association with Dutch sports ticketing company Sporstadion.nl, the Red Bull drivers' travel partner.

Belgian Grand Prix organisers noticed mass support for 'Maximum Max' in 2016, with grandstands flush with folk draped in orange.

Therefore they accepted to dedicate an entire seating structure to the people's idol which will overlook the challenging double-left Pouhon complex.

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The Red Bull Ring in Austria already installed a 'Max Verstappen' grandstand last year, and organisers are looking to increase its capacity from 1,000 to 5,000 this year. Not surprisingly, tickets are already sold out for seating in that area.

"In Austria Sportstadion.nl proved that we can offer fans something special and experience a race together," Verstappen said.

"It was amazing! I look forward to a successful collaboration."

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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.