Race and classic pictures

Mercedes boys pay tribute to team's tireless troops

It's that time of the year again, when engines are no longer ringing in everyone's ears and the teams' machines are stored away in their resting places.

After an eight-year period of unwavering success, Mercedes' on-track achievements were few and far between this year due to the teams' massive misstep in the design of its 2022 contender.

But while there was no gleaming trophy for the crews back home to admire, team boss Toto Wolff, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell made it a point of celebrating something perhaps more precious and valuable than a piece of bright silverware: a family's unshakable sense of commitment.

In the face of adversity, the Brackley squad – including the troops at Brixworth – never gave up this season and pushed unrelentlessly to improve, develop, advance and set right whatever was wrong with its troublesome silver arrow.

Even if a single win – courtesy of Russell in Brazil – was but a small reward for its crews' tireless efforts, the hard work wasn't done in vain. And it never is.

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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