Race and classic pictures

A photographer's roof with a view in Baku

©MamoruAtsuta

Beyond the purpose of capturing the day's action, F1 photographers - many of which are artists in their own right - strive for the unique angle that blends movement and aesthetics.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix offers its original backdrop from many vantage points but our good friend Laurent Charniaux from XPB Images went out of his way to get a bit high in Baku and snap a bird's eye shot.

Credit here also goes to Laurent's colleague Mamoru Atsuta for capturing this great 'roof with a view' moment.

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.

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