One last chill before the thrill

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Valtteri Bottas and wife Emilia capped their winter season holiday with one last nocturnal session of snowboarding and skiing last week.

It was one last chill for the young couple before the thrill of a new season kicks in.

All campaigns are obviously important in F1, but Bottas' performance this year will likely see the Finn confirmed as a Mercedes stalwart or dropped from the German team when his contract expires at the end of 2018.

Nothing short of winning will do, but with the redoubtable Lewis Hamilton sitting on the other side of the garage, the 28-year-old will certainly have his work cut out for him.

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.