Wolff: Vettel incident closed but Ferrari rivalry on a crescendo

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Mercedes considers the Baku incident involving Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton as "a closed chapter" after the FIA imposed no further sanctions on the Ferrari driver.

Speaking ahead of next weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insisted the issue is now in the rearview mirror.

"Every great Formula One season is marked by a great rivalry," he said.

"Last year it was our internal battle between Lewis and Nico [Rosberg] and this year it seems that the fight is on between Ferrari and Mercedes and Lewis and Sebastian.

As calm as it started, it was only a matter of time until the rivalry would eventually become more fierce and controversial.

"That moment happened in Baku and we saw the results of that tension on track.

"We have moved passed that moment now and it is a closed chapter. The hearing on Monday was between the FIA and Sebastian and it reached the conclusion we have all seen.

"Our focus since Baku has been on our own shortcomings, reviewing both the design and procedures around our headrest which cost Lewis the win two weeks ago."

FIA lets Sebastian Vettel off the hook

While the Baku incident may be a thing of the past, Mercedes rivalry with Ferrari is very much alive and well, and perhaps on the verge of reaching new heights.

"There is great respect between Mercedes and Ferrari, two iconic motor racing brands, not only because of the challenging battle on track but because we are pushing for the same goal: to see Formula One flourish.

The new owners could hardly have asked for a better start to this new era than this epic battle between Mercedes and Ferrari.

"Add to the mix a Red Bull team that can win as well and it makes Formula One into a great spectacle."

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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.