As thirsty as a desert camel... for a win

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Racing for Mercedes in F1 comes with its privileges, but also with a heavy set of responsibilities, including the necessity to win.

There's no doubting Valtteri Bottas' ability to achieve the latter, like he clearly showed in his first year with the German team, but this season the Finn has hit a dry spell, mainly as a result of absolutely wretched luck.

With both the drivers' and constructors' championships signed, sealed and delivered, there won't be any team orders this weekend in Abu Dhabi to confine Bottas to that always frustrating secondary role.

Valtteri brought it home twelve months ago at Yas Marina, and he sure deserves to do it again this weekend.

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.