Growing older but still ever so popular

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He's been around for a while, but Kimi Raikkonen who celebrates on this day his 42nd birthday remains one of Formula 1's most popular characters.

From his debut with Sauber in Melbourne in 2001 to his current tenure with the Swiss outfit which will conclude at the end of the current season, the Iceman has enjoyed a bit of a hectic career in F1.

But Raikkonen followed up his first championship point in Australia in his maiden Grand Prix with a record 343 additional race starts that yielded 103 podiums, 21 wins and a world title in 2007 with Ferrari.

The Finn's retirement from the sport at the end of this year will sadden his fans but certainly gladden his better half Minttu and the couple's children Robin and Rianna.

But until the flag drops in Abu Dhabi and the Iceman mumbles his final "Bwoah…", it's full speed ahead for F1's senior citizen.

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.