Mark Webber honoured with Officer of the Order of Australia title

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Former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber has received the title of Officer of the Order of Australia, one of his country’s highest national awards.

The award is a tribute to Webber's distinguished motorsport career as well as to his significant charity work including the Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge.

The one-time kid from Queabnbeyan, New South Wales, achieved nine Grand Prix wins as well a World Sports Car championship title before retiring from racing at the end of last year.

Webber's no-nonsense, open and honest approach to racing, which always made him a favourite with the fans, is reflected in his response to receiving the prestigious title from his country.

"I didn’t expect it at all, I didn’t think there would be anything coming along," Webber told News Corp from his home base in Britain.

"It’s a bit of a surprise. But I think it’s an absolute honour to be recognised at that level.

It’s been a long-term run over here. I left a long time ago, and it’s been nice to fly the flag.

"You don’t look back too much ... but I hope I represented Australia as best I could."

The 40-year-old recently hung up his helmet but remains firmly entrenched in racing with ambassadorial roles with Porsche and Red Bull, and as an F1 commentator for Britain's Channel Four.

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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.