Bernie's Christmas card is here!

40

It's that time of the year again, when a thrilling sense of anticipation grips the F1 community.

There's the contemplation of a week off from the factory grind or the expectancy of a well-deserved bonus, but it's all superseded by the prospect of Bernie Ecclestone's traditional Christmas card landing in the (e)mail box.

Bernie is no longer in charge of Grand Prix racing's destiny, much to many people's chagrin apparently, but the former F1 supremo has fortunately upheld his long-lasting ritual of forwarding his season's greetings.

The always farcical scene depicted on this year's card involves a Friday drivers' briefing and some confusing recommendations from the stewards.

FIA drivers steward Emanuele Pirro - a man who found himself on the receiving end of the ire of Sebastian Vettel's fans in Montreal - suggests that "messages between race engineers and drivers are to go through lawyers" in the future", while his colleagues issue a few equally wacky orders.

As usual, the card likely entails a hidden message from Mr. E. Interpret at will!

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.