Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

My lifestyle is nothing like Hamilton's - Vettel

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It is a well known fact that Sebastian Vettel fiercely protects his private life away from the limelight and the race track.

When it comes to fame and celebrity, the four-time World Champion's low-key profile away from racing is in stark contrast to Lewis Hamilton's glitzy and flashy persona.

Rather than ride the social media wave to gain exposure, like his Mercedes counterpart, Vettel has erected a barricade to insulate himself and his family in Switzerland, where discretion is the better part of valor.

Indeed, Vettel's fans and most of the outside world were unaware of the German and his partner Hanna's second parenthood, with the birth of the couple's second daughter Matilda.

"My lifestyle is nothing like Hamilton's," the Ferrari driver told the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

"But everyone is free to live their life as they like. At the moment I'm very busy with what I'm doing in F1 because Ferrari is not yet where we want it to be."

Vettel defended his choice of privacy on the basis of distinguishing his racing career from what happens away from the race track.

"There are people who respect you and people who do not.

"I am a sportsman, nothing more. Obviously, when you're on the grid and the stands are filled and people encourage you with your flag or Ferrari's flag, that's one thing, but my private life is something else.

"It does not necessarily have to be linked to my work. That's how I see it anyway."

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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.