Hamilton ordered to delete F1 video on Instagram!

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Liberty Media has relaxed rules on image rights to F1 content for social media, but that doesn't mean anything can be posted at will, even if your name is Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes driver was ordered by F1's new owners to delete a video of on-board footage of his pole position lap at the Chinese GP earlier this month.

Hamilton, who has more than four million follwoers on social media, more than any other F1 driver, had posted the video to his Instagram account. When told, he was in infringement of the rules, he immediately removed the post.

Teams 'need to embrace' social media in F1

"This season, Formula One has issued a new set of social media guidelines allowing teams and drivers to film and record their activities so as to bring the sport closer to the fans," a spokesperson for Liberty Media said.

"All teams and drivers have embraced this approach with enthusiasm, resulting in a surge of interest in F1 across social media.

"However, F1 does not want drivers posting international feed footage as this has been licensed to broadcasters' partners, in many cases exclusively.

"All teams and drivers have a clear understating of this and whenever a mistake is made, teams and drivers are asked to take down any relevant footage."

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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.