ROC drivers pay heartfelt tribute to Michael Schumacher

©Instagram/larajanephotography

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©Instagram/larajanephotography

Ahead of Saturday night's Champions of Champions event of the Race of Champions at the Accord Stadium in Sydney, Team Germany teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher led a tribute to Mick's dad and F1 great Michael Schumacher, who continues to battle a traumatic brain injury sustained in a skiing accident in 2013.

In a powerful moment, all 20 drivers at the event united to unfurl a massive banner that tugged at the heartstrings: "Keep Fighting Michael - We Miss You" blazed across the top, with the Keep Fighting Foundation’s website, KeepFighting.ms, anchoring the bottom.

The weekend wasn’t all about sentiment, though – there was racing to be done. Vettel and Schumacher, carrying Germany’s hopes, hit the track for Friday’s Nations Cup but were sent packing by a fired-up Team Australia, cheered on by the home crowd.

The Aussies’ glory was short-lived, however, as they crumbled later in the evening against a relentless French squad.

Then came Saturday, where rally maestro Sébastien Loeb seized the spotlight, clinching the Champion of Champions title and etching his name in history as the first five-time winner of this global motorsport spectacle. From heartfelt homage to high-octane heroics, Sydney delivered a weekend to remember.

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.