Lauda sees season-long battle between Hamilton and Vettel

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Niki Lauda isn't relishing the prospect of a season-long battle between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel as much as his star Mercedes driver.

While the Brit admitted to be exciting with Ferrari's resurgence and Vettel's challenge, Mercedes' non-executive chairman would have been just as happy with a status quo with regard to the German manufacturer's domination of Grand Prix racing.

"I am afraid that this duel will last the whole season," the F1 legend told Bild newspaper.

"Sure, that's great for the fans," he added. "But I would not have had a problem if it had continued like it had for the last few years."

When competition and respect go hand in hand

The Mercedes camp took note of the Scuderia and Vettel's victorious opening salvo in Melbourne, and Lauda was happy to see his concerns alleviated by Hamilton's win in China last weekend.

"I was relieved," Lauda admitted.

"I'm glad we now have our first race win under the new rules."

The Austrian doesn't see another horse joining the two-way battle at the front, at least not yet, although he did confess to have been mightily impressed by Max Verstappen's performance on Sunday.

"Max's performance was impressive," Lauda admitted, "but I do not think Red Bull really got any closer."

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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.