Race and classic pictures

Lewis Hamilton: Strategizing the next step

The end of pre-season testing on Friday saw Lewis Hamilton snapping at Sebastian Vettel's heels, but overall Mercedes is seen as heading to Melbourne in the wake of the Scuderia.

While we await for clarity on where the big guns stand relative to each other, the reigning world champion offered a few words of motivation to himself and to his fans on social media.

"As we approach the final phase of testing, we need to take a deep breath, carefully analyse and strategise our next steps.

"I have the best team to do this but the mind is where we must retain strength.

"In breathing you automatically give your mind clarity. There are all sorts of obstacles ahead, challenges that we will face and adversity but we are a team, a world championship winning team and we will unite in the battle and give everything we’ve got to deliver the best performance of our lives.

"It will not be easy, we are up against the best competition F1 has seen in years. So buckle up because sh@$ is about to get real."

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.