Mercedes will go after Vettel for 2017 - Marko

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Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko is convinced Mercedes will consider Sebastian Vettel for its 2018 line-up.

Marko is obviously well-versed when it comes to analysing the German driver's motivations and hypothetical plans, having brought him into the Red Bull pen years ago and shared four world championships with the Ferrari driver.

This season is viewed by many as a 'make or break' year for Ferrari and Vettel.

Should the Scuderia fail to live up once again to its expectations, the German could be encouraged to take a look at an opportunity of driving a Silver Arrows.

"Frankly, Sebastian’s results from 2016 did not reflect his class," former boss Marko insisted.

"There were some races where he would have done much better if he just wasn’t unlucky.

"Now, he will definitely try to be successful and in the end decide what will be the best for him personally," he added.

Marko thinks Mercedes signing Valtteri Bottas only for 2017, amid the expiring contracts of Vettel and Fernando Alosno, have been no coincidence.

"Mercedes will be interested in them for 2018," Marko concluded.

Gallery: all the pics from Thursday's action in the Melbourne paddock

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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.