Sebastian Vettel is notoriously absent from social media, the Ferrari driver feeling no urge to expose his privacy on the internet, or anywhere else for that matter.

But the German also said that he simply did not feel the need to display his life on Instagram or Twitter like many of his colleagues enjoy doing.

"I just don't understand why you have to constantly tell everyone what you are doing, where you are, who you are with," Vettel told German broadcaster RTL.

"I simply don't have this need, but at the same time I don't blame people if they are constantly talking about themselves.

"I think I grew up in a generation that was quite shy of having pictures taken or seeing themselves," said the 29-year-old.

Vettel's attitude is a singular exception among F1 drivers, and at the opposite of Lewis Hamilton who cultivates a huge presence on social media which the Brit acknowledges as his tool of choice for promoting his brand.

But Vettel also thinks the current trend of demanding 'selfies' with famous people is taking something away from more genuine human interaction.

"People come and say 'Can we take a picture' and suddenly they are gone again," he said.

"I sometimes ask what they will do with it, and often the answer is 'No idea'. The other day someone said they needed a photo to prove to his friends that he actually met me.

"I said 'You cannot be a reliable friend if they don't believe you!'

"I have to admit I get a lot more out of shaking someone's hand and then sharing the experience of meeting someone," Vettel concluded.

Gallery: All the pictures from Montreal

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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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