Lauda doesn't want Mercedes to power McLaren

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Niki Lauda is against a Mercedes engine supply deal with McLaren, and would "veto" any arrangement with the struggling British team.

Despite comments from its management which insist that McLaren's power unit future will remain with Honda, rumors continue to ramp up about the partnership's impending demise.

Mercedes AMG F1 boss Toto Wolff denies however the solution will be as simple as a reunion of the old McLaren-Mercedes name.

"It's important for Formula 1 that Honda remains," he said.

"I have no doubt that they will solve their problems."

McLaren adds more updates to MCL32 for Monaco

And Mercedes team chairman Lauda's resistance to a McLaren-Mercedes revival is even clearer.

"I would veto it. Two years ago, I pleaded for us to give Red Bull our engines.But I wouldn't do it today.

"We have to concentrate fully on our duel with Ferrari rather than upgrading another of our rivals," the F1 legend told Auto Motor und Sport.

A McLaren-Mercedes deal also seems to have been ruled out by the sporting regulations, which require engine changes for the following season to be registered with the FIA by 15 May.

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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.