Hamilton goes for striking red and yellow helmet motif!

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Lewis Hamilton has chosen the winning design for his 2017 helmet contest which was conducted through social media.

The Mercedes driver admitted it was a tough choice with so many striking designs sent in to his Instagram account for review.

In the end, from over 8,000 entries, he settled for the work produced by Rai Caldato, who will also be the lucky recipient of a replica of Hamilton's new lid.

"Raí evolves my layout by adding new stripe elements on the sides," Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

"As a tribute to my hero, Ayrton Senna the helmet features the colours of Brazil - green, yellow and blue. These are accompanied with the three stars that represent my championship wins.

"There's yellow throughout that reminds me of my helmets in the past. The candy apple red balances with the yellow very well.

"Raí, I look forward to meeting you in person to present you with your prize! Thank you all for entering this competition, I'm taken back by your creativity."

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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.