Webber: New cars have re-energized Vettel

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Mark Webber says the 2017 new-spec cars have provided a fresh impetus to his former team mate Sebastian Vettel.

After a disappointing and winless season last year, Vettel and Ferrari were back in the winner's circle in Melbourne for the season-opening race last week.

While the Scuderia's new-found momentum demands confirmation, 9-time Grand Prix winner Mark Webber the triumph Down Under has brought an important change to the mind-set of the man he raced against for five years at Red Bull.

"The new generation of cars has brought about the rebirth of Sebastian," contends 'Aussie Grit'.

"World champion Sebastian is mentally quite back. Last year there was a lack of motivation from him because he had no prospect of victory.

"That's why this victory is so important to him."

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Webber, who is now retired from active racing and is a consultant for Britain's Channel 4 F1, was impressed with what he saw in Melbourne.

Not only with the step-up in performance but also with the increased difficulties associated with the news cars.

"As a driver, you can once again make the difference as it is much harder to drive these cars to the limit. That is another speciality of Vettel, looking up the limit of the car," Webber concluded.

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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.