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Lewis Hamilton is PETA's 2018 Person of the Year

It's perhaps just an honorary award to add to his banner year, but Lewis Hamilton will likely be proud of PETA's decision to bestow upon him their annual 'Person of the Year' accolade.

The 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' association has commended the five-time world champion for becoming vegan and encouraging people around the world to part with meat, eggs, dairy and all animal-derived foods.

"Lewis Hamilton has proved to be not only a fantastic driver but also a force for good and a powerful ally of animals used for food," said PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk.

"PETA is honouring him for inspiring his legions of fans to follow his lead, jump-start their own energy levels, and spare animals' lives by going vegan."

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Hamilton made his dietary switch over a year ago, and although he was forced to toss out his bread and butter, the change obviously didn't take the edge off his racing.

"I feel amazing. It's the best I've ever felt in my life," Hamilton says as a vegan adept. "Physically I feel the best I've ever felt. I feel incredibly clean and healthy.

"The pollution [from greenhouse-gas emissions] coming from the amount of cows that are being produced is incredible.

"The cruelty is horrible and I don't necessarily want to support that and I want to live a healthier life."

Hamilton follows in the footsteps of the likes of Ricky Gervais, Queen rocker Brian May and the late Sir Roger Moore in receiving PETA's Person of the Year honour.

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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.