No room for disappointment at Ferrari, says Hakkinen

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Mika Hakkinen says that Ferrari must carry its impressive pre-season momentum into next weekend's first race, or it will be a big disappointment.

The Scuderia is generally viewed as a favorite to give world champions Mercedes a run for its money in Melbourne, but the prospect has also generated expectations and pressure for the Italian squad, according to Hakkinen.

"I believe that the whole Ferrari team has put enormous pressure on themselves," said the two-time world champion.

"If they don't perform in the first race as well as their tests have indicated, then it will be a terrible disappointment for the whole team.

"The effect can be damaging and lead to hasty decisions."

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Interestingly, Hakkinen believes Formula 1's new-spec cars will benefit Kimi Raikkonen.

"That's based on what I saw in Barcelona. The Ferrari drivers didn't need to worry that they'd lose control of their cars when driving into corners.

"You could see their confidence in their cars. And based on that, I think they are better positioned this season than in previous years."

The former McLaren driver has been involved in the career of countryman Valtteri Bottas, and has no doubts about his ability to perform with Mercedes and against team mate Lewis Hamilton.

"He knows the situation, that he is facing a really tough guy. He still has a lot to learn, and he wants to learn more," he said.

"Valtteri will not be disappointed if he does not beat him (Hamilton) in the first or second Grand Prix, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't want to."

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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.