Hamilton and Bottas break out the New Year's champagne!

©Mercedes

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What is bred in the bone will come out in the blood, or perhaps the champagne in this case.

We're signing off from 2018 with this short video of the Mercedes drivers ringing in the New Year in their own, predictable way.

It's been an packed year for F1i and one of fantastic growth once again thanks to you, our readers and faithful followers.

Here at our home base, we wish you all a prosperous and healthy trip around the sun, and will see hopefully next year, which means tomorrow for those fit enough to clock in.

See you all on the other side!

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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.