Fierce rivals back in the day, but still mates after all these years

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True friendship among drivers is a rarity in Formula 1, or perhaps even an oddity. But when the on-track rivalries cease to exist, affinities sometimes follow their natural course.

This picture brings together Great-Britain's class of 1995, and a flamboyant Irishman, all of whom were fierce rivals on the track back in the day.

We won't pretend you don't know their names...

"The F1 Brits since '95, over a quarter of a century ago..." commented the senior figure in the picture, Sky F1's Martin Brundle.

"No love-in social media back in those days, we just tore pieces out of each other on track and then said 'serve you right'. Then had a beer, or in Brazil a caipirinha.

"Sadly don't see Eddie much because he's great company, but the rest of us are mates to this day."

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.