Wolff: Vettel win not 'orchestrated' by Ferrari

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff doesn't believe that Sebastian Vettel's win in Monaco was the result of rogue tactics at Ferrari intended to favour the German to the detriment of team mate Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel took the lead yesterday from the Finn after playing the over-cut card, delaying his one and only pitstop by five laps which turned out to be far faster on his used set of ultrasoft tyres compared to Raikkonen's new set of supersofts.

But Vettel said that circumstances had prevailed in his favour, and were not manufactured with the aim of boosting his title chances against Lewis Hamilton.

Toto Wolff agreed with the German's assessment.

No team orders at Ferrari, insists Vettel

"It wasn't clear how the tyre would perform. They needed to pit one of the two drivers and put them on the supersoft.

"And how it all panned out, the supersoft was not quick enough and Sebastian was able to put out some stunning laps on the used ultrasoft and that gave him the opportunity over Kimi.

"I don't think they saw it coming. At the end of the day, it's the right result for the team and for the driver's championship - but I don't think it was orchestrated."

Ferrari now enjoys a 17-point advantage over Mercedes in the Constructors' standings, with the German squad now chasing its Italian rival as roles are reversed.

"They are finally where we were back in the days when you finish one and two and you have to explain why the right guy won," Wolff said.

"First of all, they deserved to win, they had the quickest car. As a team result, a one and two is good. Congratulations from our side - we need to give them credit."

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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.