Hamilton takes the time to grant a very special wish

©Mercedes

Last weekend in Monte Carlo, Lewis Hamilton took a moment to meet and greet 8-year-old Oscar Lynch in the Mercedes garage.

Oscar, from Eaton Socon in England, was born with severe spinal scoliosis. The brave young lad has undergone several operations to correct and straighten his spine.

Oscar's big wish of meeting Lewis was granted by the four-time world champion and the Starlight Children's Foundation that made it all happen.

"It was a truly amazing experience,” said Hannah, Oscar's mum.

"Oscar is an avid Formula 1 and Lewis Hamilton fan, and Lewis and the other drivers spent some time with him and he even got to sit in the actual car that Lewis raced in on Sunday."

That's one F1 fan who isn't about to forget his day at the races…

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.