Happy Birthday to living legend Niki Lauda!

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Niki Lauda reaches the big 70 today but that's unlikely to impress the F1 legend and Mercedes non-executive chairman.

It's been a trialing past seven months for the Austrian following the lung transplant he underwent last summer. However, despite the ordeal, this racer's heart hasn't skipped a beat.

Lauda is still hard at work in recovery mode, and while no date has been set for his return to the Mercedes garage, it will hopefully happen sooner rather than later. Go Niki!

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.