The Boss is in the house in Baku

Flavio Briatore - a man closely linked to the very existence of the Azerbaijan GP - is making a rare appearance in the F1 paddock this weekend.

As a reminder the flamboyant Flav is still Fernando Alonso's manager. So his presence in Baku naturally prompted a few pundits to suggest that the former Renault team boss was perhaps serenading Mercedes for his protégé.

Chances of a renewed Hamilton-Alonso partnership are practically non-existent however, because, as Silver Arrows boss Toto Wolff put it, "You don't need another woman when you have a beautiful wife already."

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.