Hamilton goes full electric… with Porsche!

Mercedes' PR department will have likely frowned upon the sight of Lewis Hamilton cruising around Beverly Hills this week in a Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

But technically, the seven-time world champion isn't contracted to Mercedes, with the two parties still ironing out the details of their next deal together.

Hamilton, keeping safe while wearing a face mask, was spotted running a few errands in LA's posh shopping neighborhood on Rodeo Drive with his new set of wheels.

Perhaps the tiny size of the F1 star's purchases, which appeared to be constrained to jewelry boutique XIV Karats Ltd. according to the paps from the Daily Mail, didn't justify rolling out the Merc AMG G-Class.

Or maybe Hamilton was using the Taycan to send a subliminal message to his ex-future employer?

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.