Bottas in dire need of an upward push

After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and before he got down to work with Mercedes at F1's post-season test, Valtteri Bottas indulged in a session of flyboarding.

The image conveys perhaps the perfect metaphor for what the Finn will need in 2019: a big dose of vertical thrust to push him upward and onward. For his future at Mercedes will depend on it.

Misfortune coupled with a performance level that was subpar to his expectations this season have left the Finn in search of some fresh motivation and energy for 2019.

"I wish I could just disappear now and go, but the fact is in three weeks I will start my holiday, so it is still three weeks of different commitments," said Bottas in Abu Dhabi.

"So I need to go through that and then I will have four weeks to reflect on the season, and gather some mental energy which was lost this year."

"I definitely feel a bit drained at the moment, and it is difficult to see many positives from the year.

"But in this you sport you definitely get to know yourself, and I know that once I have some time off, it's going to be fine.

"I'm going to be seeing the bright sides of this season, and I'm going to be full attack for next year."

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.