Thomas steals the hearts of F1 fans

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It all started with a six-year-old Ferrari fan caught sobbing on camera in the grandstands after the first lap demise of his favorite driver Kimi Raikkonen.

But a compassionate soul in the red camp was quick to react and asked that the boy and his parents be brought to the paddock for a special consolation prize.

Thomas Danel and his parents, Jordan and Coralie, from Amiens, France, were given a proper VIP treatment which created a huge social media surge.

Kimi Raikkonen handed Thomas a signed cap and a pair of racing boots before the family joined the Scuderia mechanics to watch the podium celebrations.

"This has been the most fantastic day for us," his mother Coralie said.

"We could not believe it when they came to get us and took us to Ferrari."

F1 CEO Chase Carey has underlined the need for Formula 1 to get closer to the fans. For Thomas, that's about as close as it gets.

Bravo F1, you did the right thing!

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.