Season long enough for Hamilton to clinch title - Lauda

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Lewis Hamilton's Canadian Grand Prix win has reduced the Brit's deficit to Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' standings to just 12 points.

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda insisted last week that Hamilton would likely require at least one DNF from Vettel to overhaul the German in the title fight.

But the Austrian has now revised that judgement.

"No, that was exaggerated," the F1 legend told Osterreich newspaper.

"The championship is still long enough. Hopefully the Hamilton-Vettel duel will remain tense all the way to the end."

Hamilton 'super happy' to be back on top

The F1 legend recognised that Vettel had been unlucky when he suffered front wing damage at the start after a contact with Max Verstappen, a hit which unsettled the German's race strategy.

He had no doubts however about who had been the best driver in Montreal on Sunday.

"Sebastian was unfortunate," said the Austrian, "but Lewis dominated from the start and our car was the best."

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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.