A memorial ride for Charlie at Yas Marina

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Twelve months ago, the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the last event started by F1's long-lasting race director Charlie Whiting who passed away in melbourne earlier this year.

To commemorate the occasion and honour Charlie's memory, the Formula 1 family gathered on the grid at Yas Marina on Thursday evening, with 43 teams taking part in a 10-lap bicycle race around the 5.5km circuit.

It was all good fun, and just as Charlie would have liked it…

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.