'No Mercedes in the back of our car next year', says McLaren's Brown

McLaren boss Zak Brown has ruled a return to Mercedes power in 2018 as the Woking-based outfit will honour its current contract with engine partner Honda.

Plagued by reliability issues and pinned down by dismal power, McLaren-Honda is dealing with a third year of under-performance since the Japanese manufacturer returned to F1 in 2015.

Zak Brown insists that both partners are working hard to solve its troubles although no rapid fix is around the corner.

"No Mercedes in the back of our car," Brown said, referring to rumors of a switch to the German manufacturer's power for 2018.

"Obviously the Formula 1 results right now are frustrating but the culture’s great, the people are great and the things that we’re doing, we’re being brave and taking some big decisions,” said Brown.

"It’s great working with the executive committee, they’re providing some great leadership for the whole organisation. So we’re happy here.

"We’re frustrated we’re not winning Formula 1 races – that’s not going to change overnight - but we’re working hard and it’s going to be sweeter when we do win."

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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.