Race and classic pictures

A moment of unity to close the season!

The F1 grid gathered on Thursday evening - at the behest of Lewis Hamilton - for their annual pre-finale dinner in Abu Dhabi, setting aside rivalries and off-track drama to share laughs and stories from a thrilling year.

While egos and disputes are part of the sport, nights like this remind us that these 20 drivers are a family of sorts.

As for feuding foes Max Verstappen and George Russell, Lando Norris couldn’t help but spill the tea on Instagram.

“Yes, the two you’re thinking about were sat as far away from each other as possible”.

But even with rivalries intact, the camaraderie of this group shines through – a reminder that respect goes deeper than any race result.

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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