An isolation of a different sort for Valtteri Bottas

©Twitter/ValtteriBottas

Valtteri Bottas has stepped up his preparations for the 2021 season, during which the Finn will once again attempt to rise to the massive challenge of beating Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton.

While not in quarantine, Bottas is isolating in Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, where the nine-time Grand Prix winner is "building the base" for his upcoming F1 campaign.

"Always good weather to run," he wrote on Twitter. "-22c and a bit of windchill. No excuses."

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.