Raikkonen left behind by Vettel momentum - Lauda

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If Sebastian Vettel sustains his current momentum at Ferrari, team mate Kimi Raikkonen will be left behind, says Niki Lauda.

The Mercedes non-executive chairman noted the "unsual" gap in Melbourne between the two Scuderia stalwarts. A sign of perhaps things to come.

"If Sebastian gets a momentum with this victory, then the whole team gets behind him because he is already the several-times world champion," Lauda told German broadcaster RTL.

"Then it's hard for Kimi to catch him."

Hamilton: Vettel tougher than Rosberg

FIA President Jean Todt, who oversaw Michael Schumacher's golden years at Maranello, agreed with Lauda's assessment.

"Vettel reminds me of Michael," Todt told German magazine Sport Bild.

"They both have the same thirst for victory that is so great that it can leverage a whole team to succeed.

"Vettel's victory in Australia was important for Formula 1," the Frenchman added. "Because it means Mercedes finally has an opponent."

GALLERY: all the pics from Sunday'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.