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Stewart banks on Vettel over Hamilton

F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart is putting his money on Sebastian Vettel to win the world championship this year, rather than Lewis Hamilton.

With three wins achieved so far - in Australia, Bahrain and Monaco - the Ferrari driver leads his Mercedes rival by 25 points, or one clear win, in the Drivers' standings.

"Sebastian has more experience and is calmer than Lewis," said Stewart.

"It will be difficult for Lewis to turn it around because Vettel is so hungry to succeed again."

Stewart was critical of Hamilton last year, believing the Brit deserved to be punished for ignoring team orders in his battle against Nico Rosberg in the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

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"I think he [Hamilton] can be a little ballerina,” Stewart said back then.

"Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda are not stupid people, and neither is the Mercedes chairman who often comes to Grands Prix.

"You cannot threaten a multi-national corporation of that size by one man who is just not doing it the right way. Give him the option of ‘either do it our way or you have to be excused’."
Another former F1 driver, Marc Surer, agreed with Stewart's favourable view on Vettel.

"Vettel is someone who is discouraged by a bad car, but when he has a good car, he is incredible.

"Also, with his family-driven lifestyle, he has fewer fluctuations than Hamilton."

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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.