Team mates part ways, but friendship remains

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©calloalbanese

After four seasons and 81 races together, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen parted ways with a traditional exchange of lids.

They won't be sharing the same garage in 2019, but the close friendship built over the years will remain.

"I’m sure we’re going to see each other often," Raikkonen said recently.

"I don’t think it has changed from when we met for the first time to today, so I don’t see why it is going to change anywhere even though we’re not racing in the same team.

"We will stay friends, and I’m sure we’ll travel together sometimes and see each other."

The 39-year-old surprised everyone with his decision to return to Sauber, the team where it all started for the 2007 world champion, and keep his F1 going for another couple of years.

In his season review, Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle still sees some bright days ahead for Kimi.

"I've got a feeling that Kimi will cause all sorts of surprises in the Sauber," said Brundle.

"It'll be a strong car next year and he'll be simply driving for pleasure again. He could be one of the surprises of the season.

"Not in terms of taking the championship because the team doesn't have that kind of resource, but I wouldn't count him out of some surprise results in 2019."

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.