Ferrari and Vettel at loggerheads over contract duration?

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Contract talks between Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel for 2018 may be complicated by the German driver's insistence on a simple-one-year extension.

Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne revealed recently that a potential deal had been delivered to Vettel, and that it was now the driver's choice to remain at Maranello.

Reports last month claimed that Marchionne may have tabled a highly enticing offer worth 120 million euros associated with a three-year extension of Vettel's contract with Ferrari.

But Finland's Ilta Sanomat newspaper now cites sources saying Ferrari and Vettel may in fact not be in agreement over the duration of a new deal, with the German pushing for a mere one-year contract in order to leave his options open for 2019.

Marchionne puts €120 million on Vettel's table!

"It's true that I haven't got a contract yet," Vettel admitted, "but I think the primary objective at the moment is not worrying about papers but making sure we get good results."

Future options for Vettel could include a deal with Mercedes for 2019, with pundits believing that Lewis Hamilton could retire at the end of next season when his Silver Arrows contract ends.

As he leads the world title fight, Vettel insists life is good at Ferrari however.

"As I've said, I'm not in a rush, I don't think the team (Ferrari) is in a rush, and as far as I understand I think I have a good contact with the team and they would tell me otherwise," said the 30-year-old.

"So as I've said there's no problem -- nothing wrong."

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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.