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A giant leap for Hamilton the thrill-seeker

As if his gripping duel with Max Verstappen in the F1 world championship wasn't enough to excite his senses, a daring Lewis Hamilton indulged in a bout of skydiving for good measure last week.

The seven-time world champion who was overhauled by Verstappen in the championship's standings following the Red Bull charger's recent win in Monaco, threw himself out of a plane at 10,000 feet and went on to execute a few controlled and skilled maneuvers.

Read also: Hamilton and Rosberg ride the Mediterranean waves

"I’ve been learning to sky dive over the past couple years," Hamilton wrote on Instagram with a video to boot.

"It’s one of my favourite things to do in my spare time. This me trying for the first time flying on my back of which I was useless at lol.

"After this I went to spend time in the wind tunnel to practice. I’ll post that next to show you my progression."

There was no word on Mercedes boss Toto Wolff's reaction to his driver's free-falling stunt. But we wouldn't be surprised to see the Austrian show up in Baku this week with a few grey hairs…

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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.