Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Hakkinen sees Vettel as title threat

Former World Champion Mika Hakkinen reckons Sebastian Vettel could pose a threat to the championship aspirations of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

On the back of Vettel's resounding victory last Sunday in Hungary - his second win this season - and Mercedes lusterless result, Hakkinen considers the Ferrari driver's chances of hunting down his rivals as real given his increased performance and the number of points which remain on the table between now and the end of the season.

"Vettel is a threat," the Finn said in an interview on sponsor Hermes' website. "Because the season is only half over and there are still a huge number of points at stake. Vettel is currently very convincing and his performances are top notch."

Hakkinen was also full of praise for Daniil Kvyat's Magyar performance, considering his relatively disappointing season to date and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo's supremacy over the Russian.

"Kvyat is now putting pressure on Ricciardo, which has led the Australian to get himself into the situation we saw in Hungary. Ricciardo is a good driver, but he's also under pressure to perform."

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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.