Vettel's work ethic a factor in Ferrari resurgence - Wolff

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes Sebastian Vettel's dedication and hard work may have helped Ferrari's outstanding progress in 2017.

Wolff alluded to speculation that last year's close working relationship between Pirelli and Ferrari, when the Italian manufacturer undertook the development of its 2017 tyres, has led to the Scuderia better exploiting its tyres.

While Pirelli obviously denied any collusion with Ferrari, CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera did suggest that Vettel had perhaps worked harder on the issue than his Mercedes counterpart Lewis Hamilton.

Wolff conceded that the German's diligent and precise approach is paying dividends.

"Each driver has his own way to prepare," Wolff told Speed Week.

"One wants to be perfect and is a meticulous worker, while the other relies more on his instinct.

Wolff: 'It's painful, but we're not the favourites'

"Sebastian was always a worker, so perhaps he understood earlier on how to get the tyre in the right working window.

"We have to catch up now," he added.

Wolff denied however claims that Hamilton had lost his motivation this season.

"On the contrary," Wolff insisted.

"Lewis is not a problem but rather a positive influence, and I see him wanting it more than he did last year.

"Also for the team as a whole there will be no problem in this regard," he concluded.

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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.