The man who set the norm for flying private in F1

40

For many F1 drivers, a private jet is a convenient and cost-effective mode of transport, and one which only enhances a racer's freedom.

Regardless of what the British tax authorities may think of Lewis Hamilton's overblown fiscal arrangements, as advertised in the recent 'Paradise Papers', private jets and tax optimization pretty much go hand in hand.

One of the first men in F1 to rely on his own set of wings was Niki Lauda, who started flying his own jet back in his days with Ferrari.

Flying still remains one of the great passions of the Mercedes non-executive chairman who, after owning an airline in the 90s, set up a business charter service - Laudamotion - in 2004.

To this day, he still flies himself, and many of his Mercedes colleagues, to the races at the controls of his very own Bombardier Global 6000.

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.