Race and classic pictures

There's only one real Valtteri Bottas!

It takes little effort to single out the real Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes' masked troops in this family picture taken on Sunday morning in Abu Dhabi.

For the real Val is the one wearing the blue suit!

The Finn's one-off kit, dyed in his helmet and country's colors, pays tribute to the 32-year-old's five-season contribution to Mercedes' history in Formula 1 that includes Bottas' 10 Grand prix wins.

Val will be Lewis Hamilton's wingman one last time this evening, and his role may well prove crucial depending on the circumstances.

"We’ve come a long way, me and Valtteri," Hamilton said ahead of today gripping epilogue. "Let’s do it up big for our last as teammates!"

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.