Lewis Hamilton's most singular moment in F1

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The image of Lewis Hamilton ready to blast off on his own on the Hungarian Grand Prix grid on Sunday embodied more than just a peculiar set of circumstances.

Hamilton owed his solitary second standing start to all his rivals heading into the pits at the end of the formation lap to change from intermediates to dry tyres.

After the first lap, Hamilton followed suit and bolted on a set of slicks but the tardy decision may have cost him the win.

But the view of the Mercedes driver alone on the grid was perhaps the perfect metaphor to depict the seven-time world champion and Mercedes' years of dominance in the sport.

An emperor sits alone on his throne...

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.