Race and classic pictures

Look who's serving a Christmas lunch at Brackley!

One day you're designing a world championship winning marvel of technology, and the next you're humbly serving lunch to your fellow Mercedes colleagues.

Fortunately, this isn't a case of Silver Arrows technical director James Allison being downgraded by an uncharitable Toto Wolff, but rather the celebrated engineer gladly lending a helping hand at the team's mess during Mercedes' annual Christmas lunch.

This picture of the apron-donned Allison was actually snapped by Valtteri Bottas who was all too happy to reveal - or mock - the generous demeanor of Mercedes' chief architect.

Oh, and by the way, Brussels sprouts on offer? The recipient of this dish hopefully works alone in his department...

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.