Race and classic pictures

Hamilton's X44 team reveals Extreme E livery

Lewis Hamilton's X44 outfit has unveiled the livery of its electric off-road charger that will take part in next year's inaugural Extreme E racing series.

Hamilton's first foray into team ownership will see X44 take part in the new electric off-road series which aims to shed light on environmental issues while racing in remote locations around the world in Asia, Africa, Greenland and South America.

Hamilton won't be driving in the series, but X44 will race against nine other teams, including the Rosberg Xtreme Racing outfit of his former Mercedes teammate and rival Nico Rosberg.

X44's contender is draped in the same striking purple livery as Hamilton's current helmet

"Extreme E is an exciting new sustainability initiative, and this is a great opportunity to be involved from the outset as a team founder," Hamilton said earlier this year.

"Of course, my ambitions and commitments with Mercedes in Formula 1 mean that I won't be operationally involved in X44, but I'm excited to play a different role in this new series, one that brings my vision for a more sustainable and equal world to life."

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.