Mercedes personnel held up at gun point in Brazil!

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Several members of Mercedes F1 team emerged shaken but unhurt after their minibus was attacked by an armed robber as they left the track yesterday.

Lewis Hamilton revealed the thievery attempt on Saturday in a message on social media.

"Some of my team were held up at gun point last night leaving the circuit here in Brazil. Gun shots fired, gun held at one's head," said the 2017 world champion.

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"This is so upsetting to hear. Please say a prayer for my guys who are here as professionals today even if shaken.

"This happens every single year here. F1 and the teams need to do more, there's no excuse!"

Mercedes confirmed the incident in which valuables were stolen although thankfully every one escaped the ordeal "safe and uninjured".

Team members from Williams and representatives of the FIA were also in the convoy of cars that were targeted but the group managed to speed away just as the lights went green.

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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.