F1 heading for showdown à la Prost-Senna, says Windsor

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Veteran F1 journalist Peter Windsor believes Formula 1 could be setting itself up for a huge showdown between Max Verstappen and Stoffel Vandoorne, sending the sport back to the glory Senna-Prost days.

Windsor, who once worked as team manager for Williams, says the talent and styles embodied by the two young drivers is a throwback to Grand Prix racing's legendary foes.

"I'm a big fan of Vandoorne's," Windsor told Dutch magazine Formule 1.

"I see F1 heading for an era like Senna and Prost, but with Verstappen and Vandoorne. Verstappen as the Senna, Vandoorne as the Prost."

Vandoorne: hard to predict McLaren form in 2017

While there's no disputing that Max has generated a huge buzz for himself since his arrival in F1 in 2015, he still has way to go before emulating the likes of Senna, while Vandoorne, with only one Grand Prix under his belt, has everything to prove with McLaren this year in his maiden F1 season.

Vandoorne also recently gave an account of himself which offered a few common traits with Prost as well as a few contrasts.

"I am consistent not only in a race but over a full season," said the 24-year-old McLaren-Honda driver.

"Quick without making mistakes. My strength is that I can take an inferior car into the top five."

We would love to see that happen Stoffel...

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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.