Race and classic pictures

And what else will Porsche give you for Christmas, mate?

Brendon Hartley's adventure in F1 ended after a single year in the sport, the Kiwi having unfortunate circumstances rather than himself to blame however.

While he was a Grand Prix driver, the 2017 Le Mans winner maintained a good relationship with Porsche his former employer, and indeed he may very well renew his allegiance to the Stuttgart firm in 2019.

In the interim, Porsche has gladly supplied Hartley with his current set of wheels - an awesome GT2 'Le Mans' RS - to prowl around Monaco and its scenic backroads.

"Took my beautiful wife for a pre-flight birthday spin in our biggest toy," Hartley wrote on Twitter before the couple head to New Zealand for the holidays.

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.