Perez endorses Mexican GP anti-Trump campaign

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Force India's Sergio Perez put his name and weight behind a Mexican GP campaign seeking solidarity against US President Trump's plan to build a wall between the US and Mexico.

The initiative showcases the hashtag #BridgesNot Walls on social media, with Perez positioned as a figurehead for the campaign, and banners denouncing Trump's stance hung from bridges all around the country.

Since its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2015, the Mexican Grand Prix has enjoyed tremendous success, thanks in no small part to the presence on the grid of Force India's Perez.

"World class international events such as the Formula 1 Gran Premio de Mexico provide an excellent opportunity to showcase to the world what the Mexican people are capable of achieving when we work together," Perez said.

"Through this unique global platform, Mexico has been shown as a warm and welcoming destination. The 2015 and 2016 races were award-winning, 2017 promises to be even more memorable."

The Mexican driver showed his patriotic mettle last year when he ditched a personal sponsor for tweeting a disparaging remark linked to the construction of the wall.

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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.