Rosberg: 'Bottas is the perfect driver mentally'

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Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg sees the man who replaced him at Mercedes as 'the perfect driver', praising Valtteri Bottas qualities and performance this year.

The Finn has settled in nicely at the German outfit, collecting his maiden F1 wins in Russia and Austria and positioning himself third in the fierce title battle behind Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

"I'm really impressed," said Rosberg.

"He might be the perfect driver mentally because he is able to just concentrate on himself, making him consistent and fast."

Bottas: reliability issues could sway title battle

Despite Ferrari currently having the upper hand on the Silver Arrows, Rosberg believes his former team is still incredibly strong after a period of inconsistent performance earlier in the season, part of which was perhaps rooted in Rosberg's departure.

"I wouldn't exactly say that," he told Auto Bild, "but of course my departure was difficult for them, especially with the new regulations.

"It's nothing against Ferrari, but they were able to start with their new car much earlier. So that was their advantage.

"But Mercedes is still very, very strong -- when you look at the car, the level of detail is just amazing."

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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.