Race and classic pictures

Hamilton back in the saddle with Mercedes

After a leisurely winter holiday, Lewis Hamilton reported for duty Thursday morning at Paul Ricard where Mercedes conducted a two-day tyre test with Pirelli.

George Russel was the first to stretch his legs on Wednesday, with Hamilton taking over the workload set up by Pirelli on Thursday.

The testing is an extension of the tyre supplier's 2022 development programme which Pirelli was unable to complete last year.

Pirelli's crews will remain on site this weekend as AlphaTauri has been entrusted with wet weather testing on Friday and Saturday with Nyck de Vries and Yuki Tsunoda.

A third and final 2023 tyre test has been scheduled by Pirelli at Jerez in Spain where Mercedes and Aston Martin will be in action.

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.