All you need to know about Sir Lewis in 44 quick-fire questions

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Lewis Hamilton retreated from the public eye in mid-December and continues to enforce a strict blackout on social media, leaving F1 and his many fans hanging.

However, very few people in F1 believe the seven-time world champion will pop out of the wordwork only to announce his retirement from the sport, even if Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff hinted last month at his driver's uncertain future.

It's therefore very unlikely Hamilton won't be on the grid this season, but to help his fans patiently wait for their idol to resurface, we've pulled out a rapid-fire Q&A conducted with the Briton in the latter part of the 2021 season by Mercedes sponsor Petronas.

Read also: Hamilton not responding to FIA president's messages

From his favourite meal to the best advice he was ever given, from helmet colours to his preference between surfing and skydiving and many other personal choices, here are 44 questions to learn all you need to know – and then some – on Sir Lewis.

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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.