How do you spot an F1 driver on a plane? He's the passenger with the helmet…

Flying back home to Europe after the Mexican Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz posted a picture of himself on social media, snuggled in his seat, wearing his helmet.

"Helmet was booked for 71 laps," he wrote. "Need to use up the remaining 43. Positive weekend in Mexico anyways."

A breed apart they are these F1 folk.

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.

Recent Posts

Ricciardo: Verstappen will go down as ‘one of the best ever’

Daniel Ricciardo has never been short of admiration for Max Verstappen, but the retired Australian…

20 minutes ago

'He's very lucky': Coulthard takes aim at Norris' podium antics

David Coulthard admires Lando Norris’s ability to thread a Formula 1 car through treacherous conditions…

2 hours ago

Wolff: Antonelli is a ‘Senninha’ but could become a ‘Senna’

Toto Wolff is still refusing to let Kimi Antonelli’s remarkable rise invite comparisons with Ayrton…

3 hours ago

Red Bull boss distances himself from Lawson's fate

Laurent Mekies has made it clear that Red Bull will not dictate Racing Bulls’ driver…

4 hours ago

'The car was phenomenal’: Alonso finds reason to smile

Fernando Alonso has not had too many reasons to smile about his Aston Martin this…

20 hours ago

F1 tells Imola it won't be needed for season finale

Formula 1 has closed the door on Imola becoming an alternative destination for the final…

21 hours ago