Hamilton: 'Mercedes one-two feels better with Valtteri'

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Lewis Hamilton praised his relationship with team mate Valtteri Bottas, and offered a comparison with when Nico Rosberg was the man sitting on the other side of the Mercedes garage.

For Hamilton, acrimonious and contentious times have given way to a harmonious association with Bottas, and the Brit hopes it will continue in 2018 although the Finn is on a one-year contract.

"Yes, with Valtteri it is different," Hamilton told Bild.

"It just feels better than a one and two with Nico. Valtteri supports me a lot. It is a completely different level professionally.

"As a team, we are more united than ever. And when it's the other way around, I'll help and support him," Hamilton added.

Mercedes silent on McLaren engine rumours

Team boss Toto Wolff also seems happy with the new driver dynamic at Mercedes.

"You just have to look at how the two of them interact on the podium," he said.

"It's totally different to Lewis and Nico."

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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.