Hamilton happy to race in an era of 'such great young talent'

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Lewis Hamilton says he's happy to be up against Formula 1's impressive youth, pointing to the age gap which exists between himself and Max Verstappen, his nearest challenger on Sunday.

The 32-year-old and veteran of 204 Grands Prix pulled out all the stops to keep his 20-year-old rival at bay in the closing stages of the Japanese GP.

"I was driving down the back straight at one point and I'm thinking 'Jeez, the guy behind me is so much younger than me, I've got make sure I kind of man up and show my age and make sure that I stay ahead, show that I'm actually still very young at heart,'" Hamilton explained with a dose of humor in yesterday's post-race media conference.

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Sitting alongside the day's winner, Verstappen mischievously chimed in: "I was thinking 'this guy's so old in front of me.'"

Beyond the light banter, both men clearly feel a sense of respect for each other, but Hamilton isn't inclined to pass on the baton just yet.

"I am enjoying being in an era with such great young talent coming through," said the Mercedes driver.

"He'll be here far beyond after I stop. But until then, I will try and not give him too many poles or too many wins."

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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.