Bottas has exceeded Mercedes' expectations - Wolff

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is happy with Valtteri Bottas' performance so far this season, saying the Finn has exceeded the German teams expectations.

Bottas, who replaced reigning world champion Nico Rosberg earlier this year, clinched his maiden F1 win in Russia, and is currently third in the championship standings, 36 points behind team mate Lewis Hamilton.

One could argue that compared to Rosberg's 2016 opening salvo, when the German won four consecutive races, Bottas has under-performed.

But Mercedes obviously had lower expectations.

Bottas: 'No difference between Hamilton and I'

"Valtteri is in a strong position," said Wolff in the team's Baku preview.

"You would never think he joined the team very last minute over the winter and, after, seven Grands Prix, he has exceeded even our expectations.

"He’s been on pole, won a race and challenged Lewis on both Saturday and Sundays. For him, it’s now just about putting it all together."

it's still a long haul to Abu Dhabi however, when the curtain will come down on the 2017 season.

"It's a long Championship. There will be weekends that are good and ones that are not so good.

"It's about making the best out of it each time - maximising the points that are on the table during the difficult times and bringing the trophies home when everything does come together. "

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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.