Video: Mercedes treats blind F1 fan to a very special day

©Mercedes

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As much as we rant and pester over Mercedes' unwavering domination of F1 - well, at least until last Sunday - no one can deny that the German outfit is a class act, on and off the track.

F1 fan Andrew Walker has been blind since 1997, and last remembers how the cars looked in that era.

Mercedes' Geoff Willis welcomed Andrew to Brackley recently for a very special day during which his senses were exhilarated, stimulated, aroused and overwhelmed. And so we're our emotions when watching this amazing video.

We often declaim the sport for its boring processions, but Andrew enjoys F1 without even being able to see it!

Daniel Ricciardo may just have a rival when it comes to infectious smiles…

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.