Mercedes takes Melbourne lessons to Shanghai - Wolff

Mercedes AMG boss Toto Wolff says the German squad has been hard at work in the past week as he looks ahead to next weekend's China GP.

While a double podium finish in Australia's season opener was a strong result by any standards, Wolff says the performance still reflects the fact that the team can do better.

"That doesn't mean we can be satisfied because there are still many areas where we can be better," Wolff says.

"We have been focused on these during the past week. It's not a case of looking at the competition for inspiration but of getting our own homework done to maximise our performance.

"Australia was the first weekend for the new technical regulations, with a new car, new tyres and a new driver.

"We collected lots more information that will be flowing into all future thinking and will help us make better decisions."

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For the world championship outfit which has been at the forefront of winning for the past three years, past results cannot be indicative of future performance.

"The last three years were an outlier in Formula One and you need to be careful to manage your own expectations.

"If you think you are going to cruise to victory in the future, based on a track record of success, you'll be proven wrong very quickly.

"You need to put the finger in the wound, identify your weaknesses and then respond."

With regard to the Silver Arrows' drivers, Wolff hands out the highest notes to both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

"On this subject, I've been encouraged by how both of our drivers are approaching this season so far.

"Lewis is the best Lewis that I've seen in the last four years, both on and off track. He has become a pillar of this team and he proved that in Melbourne.

"Valtteri has settled in well and performed at a high level, rising above all the pressure and seamlessly taking over from Nico.

"Australia was a weekend full of lessons, now we go to China ready and excited for another battle..."

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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.