Team orders in use at Mercedes, not Ferrari - Surer

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Former F1 driver and TV commentator Marc Surer believes it is Mercedes rather than Ferrari which has been using 'team orders' so far this season.

The Scuderia came under the scrutiny of pundits at Monaco when Sebastian Vettel took the lead from team mate Kimi Raikkonen following a favourable strategy call.

Many saw the move as a deliberate attempt to put the German in front at the expense of the less competitive Finn.

But Surer believes that it is Mercedes which clearly established a hierarchy among its drivers since the season got under way.

"Up until now you can't accuse Ferrari of absolutely anything," Surer told German broadcaster Sky.

"On the contrary, in China it was Vettel who was stuck for an eternity behind Kimi. Still, the reds did not intervene.

"Mercedes, on the other hand, clearly did a team order in Bahrain -- even openly on the radio.

"I think it's good how Ferrari is doing it. Later in the year they will still need Kimi, so if they intervene already, you break his morale," Surer added.

Raikkonen's body language on the Monaco podium appeared to support the 'team orders' scenario, but Surer thinks Ferrari will have been able to explain what happened with his race strategy afterwards.

"I think Kimi would have understood what happened," Surer said.

"He was just angry at first that he lost the race, but Vettel was clearly faster in Monaco, so end of story."

Indeed, many believe Vettel is now the favourite to win the world championship, with Surer thinking Lewis Hamilton needs a change of focus as he fights back.

"If Lewis wants to be champion, he has to pull himself together," said the Swiss.

"Fly less around the world and focus more on the race.

"Suddenly Bottas is in front of him, which he did not expect at all, but the Finn is a serious worker who gets the best out of the car, as Rosberg did before him."

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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.