Lauda: 'Vettel needs to retire once, or it's over'

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Niki Lauda believes that Sebastian Vettel's 25-point lead in the world championship will only be absorbed if the Ferrari driver retires at least once.

As it struggles to resolve a chronic tyre temperature issue, Mercedes has seen Ferrari and Vettel take command.

A state of affairs which may not improve for the German outfit in the upcoming races in Canada and Azerbaijan where lower tyre temps usually prevail.

"We need to find a solution for the tyre window," Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda told Kronen Zeitung.

"And one thing is clear: Vettel needs to retire at least once, otherwise it's over. Ferrari has got a momentum going. If it stays like this the gap will become huge – alarming."

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A potential Vettel retirement is certainly a probability, but the odds of a 10-place grid penalty perhaps undermining the German driver's efforts at some point appear higher.

Indeed, Vettel has already used up his allocated number of turbochargers and three out of his four MHU-H components.

"We know that the Ferraris are not bulletproof," said Lewis Hamilton.

"They've got things potentially coming up, all the totals they've used or potentially used, so we'll see."

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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.