Hamilton: Vettel tougher than Rosberg

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Lewis Hamilton is poised for a more difficult battle with Sebastian Vettel this season than in the past three years with Nico Rosberg.

Speaking last weekend after the Ferrari driver's win in Melbourne, the Mercedes star said he is expecting tougher competition from Vettel than what he encountered previously from his team mate.

"I think this year we're seeing the best drivers at the top," Hamilton said.

"Obviously it would be great to have Fernando [Alonso] up there, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon.

"At least we have a great driver in Sebastian with his four titles, [who had] an incredible surge into Formula 1, continues to be a force and will continue to be for many years to come.

"I'm really grateful to have that fight with him, against Ferrari. It's great."

Vettel 'over the moon', but still a long way to go

The Brit refrained however from extending on the comparison between Vettel and retired world champion Nico Rosberg.

"I haven't had many races up against Sebastian but we've always had a respectful relationship," he said.

"I think there's a great amount of respect there between us and I'm sure that will continue to grow."

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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.