Race and classic pictures

Hamilton still inspired by the legacy of Brazil's favourite son

©Instagram

Ayrton Senna was, and indeed remains, an inspiration for many F1 drivers, past and present.

But the great Brazilian who was lost to the sport and to an entire nation in 1994 has always been a fixture in Lewis Hamilton's heart and mind.

The Mercedes driver, who will sport a special tribute helmet honoring the memory of his idol in this weekend's Sao Paulo GP, offered to his fans on Instagram a striking imaginary photo of himself and Senna walking up the Interlagos track, as well as a few heartfelt words.

"My greatest inspiration," he wrote. "It was the way he raced, his passion for life and for the sport. But more than anything it was the way he faced alone a system that wasn’t always kind to him.

"May @oficialayrtonsenna’s legacy live on forever, especially vibrant this weekend."

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.

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