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Marko dispels Ferrari-Ricciardo rumors

Helmut Marko is convinced that Red Bull Racing has the best driver line-up in F1, hinting that Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen won't be going anywhere in the future

In an attempt to take the winds out of a swelling rumor which suggests that Ferrari could be lining-up Daniel Ricciardo as a potential replacement for Kimi Raikkonen next season, Marko dropped a few clues to the contrary.

"We have the best and most balanced driving pairing," Marko told Bild.

"Both Max and Daniel are doing a great job and are at their absolute best.

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And he suggested that Red Bull's drivers are particularly valuable to the team at present, while Mercedes and Ferrari are clearly ahead in the pecking order.

"The drivers are our advantage at the moment," he added.

"While we are not able to compete with Vettel and Hamilton, we can leave Raikkonen and Bottas behind, and that's our best damage limitation right now.

"We need to take as many points as possible before the European season starts in Barcelona, so that the gap is not too big."

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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.