Hamilton 'stronger than ever' after relationship reset - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Lewis Hamilton has emerged stronger than ever following a reset of his relationship with the German squad.

Wolff revealed that an in-depth discussion with the Brit at the end of last season following a difficult campaign enticed the driver to come back with a fresh mindset and more determined than ever.

"There was a point towards the end of the year where we sat down and it felt like a reset of the relationship," said Wolff.

"So many things came out which needed to be discussed, and since then I have perceived him as being in a really good place.

"He's happy and motivated and I've seen the strongest Lewis on track that I've seen so far consistently over the weekend."

Hamilton thanks team for 'fantastic' pole position

Following a performance in Melbourne which some have called a bit disappointing, Wolff also defended new recruit Valtteri Bottas.

"He's competitive and probably setting his own targets," explained Wolff.

"It's the right attitude, but he has really progressed well over the days he has been in the car and coming out that close in various sessions during qualifying is actually what we have hoped for.

"So there is an awful lot of pressure if you're being put into that car next to Lewis and he has coped very well."

"You need the talent to drive this car on the edge with the right speed and then you need to have the diligence and the understanding of doing the office job right.

"And I think there was never any doubt on him being able to drive the car fast and now it's about putting the dots together and learning and developing and so far he didn't do any mistakes.

"He kept driving and you can see how the times are coming together."

Gallery: all the pics from Saturday's action

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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.