A selfie view of Formula 1's class of 2019

©Formula1

Melbourne officially kicked off the Australian Grand Prix weekend today with a festive event held downtown around Federation Square.

In front of a packed house - or Square - all 20 drivers took to the stage to promote this weekend's season-opening race.

As one of the event's presenters, Mark Webber pulled out a selfie stick to capture a moment that the Finnish congregation appeared to have missed however, as neither Valtteri Bottas or Kimi Raikkonen are in the frame.

Still, it's a proud and almost complete class of 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.