McLaren and Mercedes deny engine supply deal!

Mercedes and McLaren have denied in tandem a pundit's claim that an engine supply deal has been agreed between the two parties.

Channel 4's Eddie Jordan, who actually enjoys a pretty good track record when it comes to making predictions, claimed that a deal for McLaren to switch to Mercedes power for 2018 has been signed and sealed.

But the Woking-based outfit's racing director Eric Boullier says the claims are completely unfounded.

"I'm very confident to tell you that Eddie Jordan is wrong," he told Motorsport.com.

And Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confronted Jordan on air, giving him the truth from the horse's mouth.

"They don't need our engine," said the Austrian.

"They have a Honda relationship that is going through a difficult phase at the moment.

"But McLaren and Honda have the resource, the human resource and financial resource, to drag themselves out of the difficult situation."

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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.