Drivers

Vettel's helmet pays tribute to an unexpected driver

Sebastian Vettel is sporting a different helmet design for his home race at Hockenheim which pays tribute to a countryman who enjoyed a stellar career in motorsport, but not in F1.

Vettel's lid honors the achievements of five-time DTM champion Bernd Schneider, a man who ran briefly in F1 with Zakspeed in 1989.

It's perhaps a surprising choice as a tribute, but not for Vettel who - as a man who knows his motor racing history - greatly values Schneider's credentials.

"Bernd Schneider, touring car legend," said Vettel when asked to describe what his German GP helmet was all about.

"He turned 55, I've got number five on the car, I thought it was a good time, a nice time, he's a close friend and I think he's one of the best German drivers in history.

"Obviously a shame he didn't make it [in F1] – he was in Formula 1, but with a really poor car. I think he had the potential to do a lot more, but what he did in touring cars was pretty impressive."

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.

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