Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Mercedes bosses happy and relieved

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Top brass at Mercedes were ecstatic over the manufacturer's Spanish Grand Prix domination, and also somewhat reassured by Ferrari's inability to challenge its ruling.

While everyone perceived the Scuderia as a force to be reckoned with after Bahrain, this afternoon's proceedings indicate that the Italian outfit remains at a fair performance distance from its German counterpart.

"Today felt like two times P1, with Nico's brilliant drive and after Lewis recovered from a bad start, and a mistake at the spit stop," enthused Toto Wolff.

The performance gap in Barcelona between Mercedes and Ferrari, its closest rival, was more than most people expected, something Wolff put down to the team's overall package still moving forward.

"There is no silver bullet in Formula 1, you have to keep your feet on the ground and work on all the developments. I think it's steady development on the car, steady understanding of the tyres, and drivers competing on a very high level, all that put together makes a quick car."

Mercedes AMG Petronas Chairman Niki Lauda echoed Toto Wolff's comments with regard to the team extending its performance level in Spain.

"I think the most important for the team was that Vettel was 48 seconds behind," Lauda said. "I'm thinking of the future, so this race was perfect for us."

The former triple World Champion also underlined Nico Rosberg's outstanding drive following the German's lack of ascendency over team mate Hamilton since the beginning of the season.

"I'm happy for Nico to be honest because Lewis blew him off in the first four races. Now he's fighting back, and Lewis second isn't bad for the championship lead he has, so I'm completely happy for everybody."

Click here for Sunday's gallery from the Spanish Grand Prix

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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.