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Mercedes denies big W08 weight loss

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has denied that its W08 Silver Arrows has shed 5kg of excessive weight in its latest revamped version which appeared at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Niki Lauda recently underlined Mercedes' focus on the weight of its 2017 new-spec car as it battles Ferrari for the championship this year.

Lewis Hamilton's performance in Barcelona had many in the paddock suggesting that a relatively lighter car had perhaps contributed to the Brit's performance.

"We tried to improve aerodynamic efficiency and reduce weight, but we're not talking about five kilograms," Wolff told Spain's El Mundo Deportivo.

"In Formula 1 it is difficult to make big steps like that -- they are all small. We are working more with grams than kilograms," he added.

Mercedes boss happy to see tight battle with Ferrari

The importance of weight was also stressed by Hamilton admitting after his win in Spain that he had ditched his in-car drink-bottle despite the increased demands imposed on drivers this year.

"I don't carry drinks in my car to save weight," he revealed.

"I was a little bit tired after that one."

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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.