Race and classic pictures

Hamilton spotted leaving Toto Wolff’s building… in style

Last weekend, Monaco’s glitzy streets lit up with intrigue as Lewis Hamilton was caught slipping out of Toto Wolff’s apartment building.

Hamilton and Wolff’s decade-long bond at Mercedes weathered his blockbuster switch to Ferrari, but this clandestine meet-up raises eyebrows, although Wolff has often emphasized that the two remain close friends.

“We’ve built a relationship over the last 10 years, and he faced a very, very difficult situation, taking a decision of where to drive, maybe for the first time since 10 years without being able to brainstorm with me,” confided Wolff last year.

“And therefore, I will always respect the difficulty of the situation that he faced. And in the future, we will discuss whether this could have been done in a different way or not. But I hold no grudge.”

The visit was likely just a case of old pals catching up, but the real showstopper was Hamilton’s ride: a custom MV Agusta F4RR decked out in pearl white and chrome red, with his ‘LH’ monogram stamped on the tank.

A bronze plate screams exclusivity: “F4RR Lewis Hamilton 01/01.”

As MV Agusta’s ambassador since 2015, Hamilton’s no stranger to their artistry, having previously endorsed the legendary Italian manufacturer’s Dragster RR LH44 and F4 LH44bikes.

But this custom job is pure fire, according to the reaction on social media, with fans drooling over Hamilton’s bike more than the visit itself!

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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