Drivers show the fans some love in Bahrain

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Before they face the grueling heat of qualifying later today, F1 drivers cooled off with the fans earlier today, with smiles, selfies and autographs.

Formula 1 appears to be enjoying a boost of popularity with no effort spared by new owners Liberty Media to get everyone closer to the action and interact.

So race fans turned out in droves and were more than happy to get close to those they support for their own little moment of joy.

"Not my child," insisted Lewis Hamilton to a woman seeking to immortalize the precious moment.

Selfie stick and team kit are part of a Red Bull Racing fan's toolkit

If Fernando Alonso's thinks he's a popular figure in F1, wait until he gets mobbed by the fans at Indy!

Anything that's orange in F1 usually has 'Max Verstappen' written all over it

Felipe Massa admitted last week on the Chinese GP grid that he's happy to say hello and hug anybody who comes his way!

Carlos Sainz's popularity is ramping up big time. A sign of things to come...

These three 'Nans' look a bit out of place and out of style, but as gracious as usual Valtteri delivers his best smile

A Russian supporter gives Dany Kvyat the thumbs up. He may need two this weekend...

Pink always attracts a crowd, add in the Force India factor and you've got some 'hot suff'!

GALLERY: All the pictures from Friday in Bahrain

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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.