Lauda: 'Vettel freaked out in Baku!'

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Niki Lauda wasn't impressed with Sebastian Vettel's antics in Baku, believing the German lost his marbles and 'freaked out' when he hit Lewis Hamilton.

But the Mercedes non-executive chairman admitted to have been surprised by the Ferrari driver's behavior which did not resemble the Sebastian Vettel he knew.

"Vettel is a decent guy," Lauda said.

"Normally. This I don't understand, because he's crazy. Strange. He freaked out."

The F1 legend obviously supported the stewards' decision to punish Vettel, but also believed he got off lightly.

"Nobody can criticise the stewards because they are what they are, like a referee... but they could have done more, certainly because I think it's the worst you can do.

"If you overtake somebody and drive into him as a mistake, fine, but this was deliberately in a phase of the race where you are driving slow."

FIA analysis proves Hamilton did not brake-test Vettel

In light of the FIA's data which concluded that Hamilton had not brake-tested Vettel or slowed unexpectedly, Lauda clearly lays the blame for the incident with the German.

"You have to be so under control yourself that you don't do that. First he was upset he hit him up the back but this was also his fault, not Lewis' fault.

"Therefore what he did after I don't understand. He could have damaged his car, Lewis' car and could have been taken out of race, so I don't know why he is risking all of that."

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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.