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Mercedes boss happy to see tight battle with Ferrari

Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche paid the Mercedes team a visit last weekend in Barcelona and rejoiced at Hamilton's return to the winners' circle.

The Brit has now tied arch rival Sebastian Vettel on wins - with victories each - and reduced his gap in the Drivers' standings to just 6 points.

Mercedes' three-year dominance of the sport is now challenged, and the Daimler boss is delighted to see a worthy opponent by it side at the head of the field.

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"For the sport and all of us, a tight battle like that is good," Zetsche told Sky.

"Of course my nerves don't agree, but we are happy that Ferrari has made great progress.

"I have always said that the best way to win is by a margin of 1 point in the final race," Zetsche added.

After five races, or a quarter of the season now gone, Mercedes heads Ferrari in the Constructors' standings by 7 points.

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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.