Norris trades sim racing for family time during off season

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McLaren's Lando Norris says he won't be doing much sim racing during the winter, giving his priority instead to spending time with his family.

Norris - a distinguished member along with Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon and George Russell of F1's 'Twitch quartet' which entertained fans last year with its online antics - is a strong devotee of the virtual world of racing, admitting his passion for the latter has also made him a better driver.

But the 21-year-old is currently taking a break from his computer rig as he spends F1's winter intermission with his parents and siblings.

"I asked Max Verstappen during the briefing of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if he expects to race a lot on the sim this winter," he told RacingNews365. "For me, that is not the case, as I will be spending a lot of time with my family,”

"I don’t have a sim with my parents and therefore I don’t expect that I will do much sim racing with Max this winter."

Read also: 'Genuine' Norris praised by 'proud' McLaren boss

While he won't be online much, Norris will have the opportunity to devote some time to another passion of his: helmet designs.

"I expect Bell (his helmet manufacturer) to send me a few more helmets. I like to make helmet designs, so it’s nice that Bell sends me some helmets.

"Still, I think it’s a shame that I won’t be doing much sim racing because I really enjoy doing it."

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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.