Hamilton brings back former manager Hynes into inner circle

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Lewis Hamilton is gearing up for the 2024 F1 season with the return of his former right-hand man, Marc Hynes, into his inner circle.

Hynes, a former British Formula 3 champion, had worked with Hamilton from 2016 until 2021, overseeing the management of his Project Forty Four management company.

The duo enjoyed a fruitful partnership, with the Mercedes charger winning four of his seven world titles during their time together.

Hynes departed suddenly in 2021 to focus on his own business, forcing Hamilton to reshuffle his management team, bringing in Canadian media talent manager Penni Thow.

Thow's company Copper worked with the seven-time world champion on various projects, including the launch of his merchandise brand Plus 44, non-alcoholic tequila Almave, two projects with Apple TV+, and the currently in production Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt.

Read also: Hamilton might 'take a sabbatical’ before deciding on retirement

However, the contract with Copper expired at the end of last year, but Hamilton will nevertheless continue to work with Thow on some of these areas.

Hynes’ duties on the other hand will be “solely focused on racing activities” as he’ll accompany Hamilton to races and provide support trackside.

“Lewis is looking forward to the beginning of the new Formula One season and he will be working with Marc Hynes, his long-term friend and former colleague who will be providing his expertise to assist Lewis on the track,” a Hamilton spokesperson told The Telegraph.

“Marc will be solely focused on racing activities and supporting Lewis’s commitment to bringing the fight back to the top spot.”

The driver’s reunion with a trusted partner likely signifies a renewed determination for Hamilton after two lean years in F1, with his last win going all the way back to the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Mercedes will unveil their 2024 challenger, the W15, on February 14 via a digital launch event broadcast live from Silverstone, with pre-season testing kicking off a week later in Bahrain.

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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.