Former F1 driver and BRDC President Derek Warwick is baffled by the fact that Lewis Hamilton did not run in the in-season test which took place this week at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Hamilton was excused from the test by Mercedes while his world championship rival Nico Rosberg raked in precious mileage, something which could hand the German a slight advantage in the coming weeks.

In the mean time, the British driver posted pictures of himself on social media, hanging out in Cannes with his usual glitzy crew of celebrities and partygoers.

Commenting to Sky Sports F1, Warwick said Hamilton's decision simply made no sense in his view.

"He was off the pace all weekend in Austria, he had a bad start, I'd want to be trying that start out again, checking my clutch is ready for the British GP. I just find it bizarre that he would say 'no' and go off and be in Monaco with whoever he was with. As a racing driver you want every second you can in the car, if anything to keep the other driver out. It is obvious to me."

Hamilton's flashy social presence is often picked apart and publicized in the media, but the reigning world champion appears to have struck a harmonious balance between his F1 commitments and his private life activities. While some may still question his dedication, his motivation and focus appear intact as indeed seem to prove his results on the race track.

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

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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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