Race and classic pictures

Ecclestone puts a twist on F1's call for equality!

Right on cue, Bernie Ecclestone's traditional Christmas greetings were dropped into their recipients' mailboxes this week.

Every year, the former F1 supremo's holiday wishes are awaited with a gripping sense of anticipation, as deciphering Mr. E's holiday message is always an amusing exercise.

This year, the 92-year-old jumped on the "We Race as One" bandwagon, blending the 'equality' theme with a boost of vaccination as the card depicts a group of drivers standing – or taking a knee - for equality, while George Russell and Pierre Gasly get their jab.

However, Bernie's prescription regarding 'equality' also appears to include a sarcastic call for  equal pay among drivers, as suggested by the '$ equal' message on the drivers' t-shirts.

F1's arch-rivals, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, aren't left out of the picture as they are shown racing wheel-to-wheel in a scene captioned with the words "At least some of the cars are equal some of the time!".

Finally, on the back of the card, Bernie lays out the 'rules' for 2022:

"Do not cross the white lines. Help your competitors with a little help from the stewards and do not race".

Seasons greetings race fans!

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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