Two Nikis fighting with Lauda's spirit

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Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were both inspired to pay a special tribute to Niki Lauda by devoting their Monaco GP helmet livery to the F1 legend.

The spirit of the three-time world champion inhabited both drivers on Sunday, spurring them on around the Principality.

"I definitely felt like he was with me racing today," said Hamilton after his winning effort.

"It was just incredible to see how much support there has been for Niki from across the world, how much respect and appreciation there is for him.

"As a driver my goal is to be one day as respected as he was. He left a great example and was a real hero to so many."

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.