Wolff on Hamilton: From loner to true team player

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says that things have changed at Mercedes this year after the disruptive atmosphere which prevailed at the German squad last year.

While Mercedes' dominance out on the race track has been reined in by Ferrari, Wolff has hailed the trasnformed dynamics within the team following its driver change.

"Nico Rosberg played a fundamental role with car development," Wolff told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"His head worked like an engineer. But with Valtteri Bottas, we have found the best possible substitute. The dynamics in the team have changed completely.

"With Lewis and Nico, we went through different phases, from friendship to rivalry to hostility and arrogance. But with Valtteri and Lewis, there is zero controversy."

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Wolff insisted that mutual respect governed the Hamilton-Bottas working relationship, but also that the two-time world champion has undergone a personal change recently.

"They respect each other and look forward to a good result from each other," Wolff added.

"I think Lewis changed over the winter. He went from a loner to a true team player."

Looking further into the future, Wolff said he recognises the need for a new engine formula beyond the expiry of the current regulations.

"We neglected the sound with the current engine generation," he said.

"When we are discussing the engines from 2020 onwards, a great engine noise will be one of the key points for us."

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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.