The kid from Stevenage with 37 candles on his cake

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Lewis Hamilton begins a new trip around the sun on this day and will have likely blown out 37 candles by the end of it.

It's been quite a ride for the seven-time F1 World Champion since he rolled out onto the karting tracks in 1993.

Some 29 years and 103 F1 wins later the young, impassioned kid from Stevenage still sits at the top of Grand Prix racing's pyramid, even if he now shares the space with 2021 World Champion Max Verstappen.

In all likelihood, and despite the spin put on his silence of late by pundits and the media, Hamilton will return to the fray next month to make another run with Mercedes at a record eighth world title.

But in the interim, Sir Lewis is saving his breath for those 37 candles…

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.