Bernie, wheeling the stroller and dealing the cards

It's that time of the year again, when a thrilling sense of anticipation grips the F1 community.

We're not alluding to a well-deserved holiday after an action-packed season that couldn't end too soon, but referring to the December ritual of waiting for Bernie Ecclestone's traditional Christmas card to land in one's (e)mail box.

Decoding the usually farcical scene depicted on Mr. E's season's greetings is always an amusing exercise.

This year, the masked 90-year-old who became a father for the fourth time last summer, is seen wheeling baby Ace in Gstaad while dealing over the phone against a backdrop of F1 cars racing past empty grandstands and a group of investors in agony.

Hardly cryptic…

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.