Driver contracts: Arrivabene doesn't want to hear it!

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Scuderia boss Maurizio Arrivabene says he won't be talking about the future of Ferrari's drivers any time soon to avoid any distractions potentially detrimental to the team's season.

Both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen see their contracts expire at teh end of the 2017 season.

The German has been linked to a move to Mercedes for next season but if Ferrari prevails this year it's likely Vettel extends his stay at Maranello.

Indeed, Arrivabene is hoping to keep the Australian GP winner happy for as long as possible.

"Talking about contracts now is only distracting the attention of our drivers, so I’m not ready to talk about any contracts," said the Italian manager.

"Then, I would like to see Sebastian happy during the season, because if Sebastian is happy, that means the car is very quick."

Ferrari releases Giovonazzi to Sauber for China

The speculation around Kimi Raikkonen seems a bit more straight forward with many expecting the 37-year-old Finn to call it a day on his F1 career.

Should that be the case, all of Italy is hoping that new sensation and Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi would become a full-time member of the Scuderia.

The 23-year-old made his GRand Prix debut in Australia with Sauber last weekend, and could get another outing in China next week if Pascal Wehrlein decides to remain once again the sidelines as he deals with an insufficient physical level.

The last Italian to race for Ferrari was Giancarlo Fisichella in 2009.

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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.