Still Hamilton rises, to a podium first!

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It's unlikely to become a ritual, à la Daniel Ricciardo's shoey , but Lewis Hamilton offered fans a first in Abu Dhabi when he went shirtless on the podium.

The day's winner later explained why he had stripped as he celebrated his 73rd career win in F1.

"I’ve always wanted to do it," he said.

"I wanted to show ‘Still I Rise’ and I think it was the perfect moment because that’s really how it’s been this year."

No matter what happens or what is thrown at Lewis Hamilton, he will always rise, in the words of American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

But the five-time world champion also admitted that he had taken inspiration lately from a young man that has now become a familiar figure in the F1 paddock: Billy Monger.

"He’s been an inspiration to me this year, which I’m sure he’ll find really strange because he probably looks up to me in the sense that he wants to be in Formula 1.

"But what he’s done, and so many people who’ve gone through difficult times, that’s really what ‘Still I Rise’ is all about.

"I’m trying to be as big a spokesman I can be about it. So that’s really why I did it."

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.