Max Verstappen savours long-awaited moment

Max Verstappen finally took possession of his gleaming 2021 F1 World Champion trophy in Paris on Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day, Mercedes dropping its intent to protest the outcome of last weekend's dramatic title decider in Abu Dhabi blew away a dark cloud hanging over the Red Bull driver's achievement.

And that duly paved the way for Max's memorable moment in the spotlight at the FIA's prize-giving gala from which his arch-rival Lewis Hamilton was conspicuously absent.

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.